Stories about News
Acquittal of Fiji Times sedition case hailed as victory for press freedom in Oceania
"It has become quite obvious that the government of Fiji has continued to charge people with sedition to suppress freedom of speech and also political dissent."
Will Singapore's plan to combat ‘deliberate online falsehoods’ stifle free speech?
"…the biggest threat to the stability and growth of the democratic process in Singapore is the government’s control of the media and information."
As Russian court announces Telegram ban, users stand defiant, amused… and worried
And as a year-long battle between Telegram and the Russian authorities ended with the decision to block the app, reaction to the announcement has been passionate and often derisive.
#SayNOto66d: Documenting the Surge of Online Defamation Cases in Myanmar
The #SayNOto66d website documents online defamation cases in Myanmar while providing information tools to support the campaign to repeal the law.
‘According to the Digital Security Law, I am a Spy': Bangladeshi Journalists Defend Their Right to Investigate
"The Digital Security Act (2018) is an Eyewash. It is section 57 (ICT Act) for all intent and purposes. All the provisions have merely been redistributed among other sections."
In 2017, Samoa's Parliament Made Libel a Crime. How Will This Affect Bloggers and Social Media?
"Concerns about anonymous bloggers should not override the right of citizens to speak freely, without fear of being jailed."
Right To Information Requests in Sri Lanka Reveals Process for Blocking Websites
Information released by the Telecom Regulatory Commission revealed that from 2015 onward 13 websites had been blocked, including a number of websites publishing political news, and a few pornographic sites.
Harsh Prison Terms for Video Journalist and Blogger as Vietnam Cracks Down on Free Expression
“Repressing citizen journalists is not only a violation of human rights but also a major impediment to Vietnam’s aspirations to become a tech and innovation hub.”
#StopTheCrackdownVN: Global Groups Call for Human Rights Protection in Vietnam
Human rights groups are stepping up the campaign urging the Vietnamese government to release 165 prisoners and conscience and to stop the persecution of activists and bloggers.
India Bans the Internet Archive and More Than 2,600 File-Sharing Websites to Protect Bollywood
The ban is the result of a court ruling, based on the petitions of two Bollywood producers, to stop file-sharing websites from distributing pirated copies of recently released movies.
‘Troll-in-Chief'? Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Admits Hiring Online Defenders During 2016 Election
The study found out that $200,000 were spent to fund the pro-Duterte troll army composed of 400 to 500 individuals.
Jailed for Journalism: A Profile of Detained Reporters in Myanmar
Since June 2017, five members of the media have been detained by the government.
Thai Journalist and Two Other Critics of Military-Led Government Face Sedition Charges Over Facebook Posts
"I will continue to criticize the illegitimate military regime until they take away my smartphone."
Brunei Government Employee Complaining About Halal Certification Charged with Sedition Over Facebook Post
"Anyways that guy that's being charged with speaking out against the govt is a reminder that we don't have freedom of speech," wrote a Twitter user.
At Thailand's Request, YouTube Blocks Video Clip of Charlie Chaplin’s ‘The Great Dictator’
"Juntaland's dictator blocking Charlie Chaplin's satirical film mocking dictator is hilariously insane and dictatorial," wrote a journalist on Twitter.
Myanmar Journalists Unite Against Online Defamation Law
"Many people believe that the previous government, run by ex-generals, created such a legal mechanism to be able to sue those who stood against their administration."
Facebook Bans Racist Word ‘Kalar’ in Myanmar, Triggers Collateral Censorship
"I made a post telling my friends [that] the word is banned. Ironically, my post was removed and I was banned from liking, posting, and sharing content for 24 hours."
Online Trolls Attack Critics of India's Aadhaar State ID System
Critics of the Aadhaar biometric ID system are being criticized by state agencies and trolled by anonymous handles on Twitter.
Lawsuit Over Facebook Post Raises Fears of Online Censorship in Bhutan
The suit against Zam revolves a family that is fighting a property dispute against well-connected business man Ap Sonam Phuntsho, who is also father-in-law to the Chief Justice of Bhutan.
No Country for Gags? Politicians Go After Indian Comedian Over Snapchat Video
Indian right-wing political parties armed with police complaints have threatened comedian Tanmay Bhat for posting a parody video on two prominent Indian celebrities.
