Stories about News from December, 2012
China Introduces New Rules to Tighten Government's Grip Over the Internet
On Friday, December 28, China's legislature approved a new set of rules intended to tighten government control over the Internet, forcing internet and online service providers to require real name registration from all their users. What do Chinese netizens think of the new regulations? What are the implications of the these new measures?
Netizen Report: Surveillance Edition
This week's Netizen Report begins in the UK, where a Parliamentary committee has sent back the British Communications Data Bill for giving overly sweeping surveillance powers to government. From there, we recap highlights from the recent WCIT conference. Then, we move to China, Egypt, and beyond.
China: Government Willingness to Expand Control Over Internet Worries Netizens
A series of articles published by state-run media outlets that justifies online real-name registration and cracking down of cyber crimes makes Chinese netizens worried about the beginning of a new wave of campaign against online dissent.
Netizen Report: Magna Carta Edition
In this week's Netizen Report we begin in the Philippines, where a "Magna Carta for Philippine Internet Freedom" has been proposed to replace the controversial Cybercrime Prevention Act. While including punishments for libel and cybercrime, the new legislation also guarantees the rights and protection of Internet users. From there, we move on to WCIT, Ireland, Kazakhstan and beyond.
Netizen Report: WCIT Edition
This week's Netizen Report begins in Dubai, where the World Conference on Information Technology is underway. The meeting will review the current International Telecommunications Regulations that serve as the rules of digital connections and could make important decisions regarding the future of Internet governance. From there, we move to Costa Rica, South Africa, and beyond.
Costa Rica: President Signs Internet Freedom Declaration
Laura Chinchilla, President of Costa Rica, signs the Declaration of Internet Freedom and calls upon the leaders of the world to "join us in preserving and nurturing this openness and freedom upon which a bright future can be built."
