Stories about Opinion
50 Shades of Erdogan's Propaganda
The enemies of Turkey's authoritarian government are everywhere and state propaganda is taking on an increasingly absurd hue.
A Pakistani Artist Remembers Sabeen Mahmud and her Valentine's Day Campaign
According to one of activist Sabeen Mahmud's killers, her '"un-Islamic" Valentine's Day rally was "the sin she eventually paid for."
How Blogging is Held Hostage by Ethiopian Politics
"Why is there just a single—and poorly functioning—Internet service provider for Ethiopia’s 90 million people? We know better than to ask this of public officials."
Vietnam: Communist Party Leaders Struggle Over Social Media
Vietnam's Decree 72 prohibiting "aggregation" of online news prompted fury from foreign media and free speech organizations, but did Vietnamese Facebookers change their ways? Not one bit.
Why John Legend Should Perform In Bahrain
On the eve of John Legend's concert in Bahrain, a former Bahraini torture victim now living in exile asks the US singer to spare a thought for the country's persecuted.
Advocates Petition UN to Intervene on Jailed Ethiopian Bloggers’ Behalf
Advocates argue that the Ethiopian government's imprisonment of these individuals on spurious terror charges is arbitrary and illegal.
“We Don't Need No Governance”: Why the Internet Governance Forum Misses the Point
Activists worldwide have criticized the UN-sponsored Internet Governance Forum for shying away from pressing issues like censorship and digital surveillance. This year, they held took matters into their own hands.
#FreeZone9Bloggers: Today, We Tweet for Human Rights — and Human Beings
If convicted, they will find themselves in the company of at least eighteen other journalists who have suffered the same fate. All remain in prison today.
Fear, Love and Iran's Favorite Internet Enemy (it's Facebook)
On July 13, eight young Iranians were dealt long prison sentences for their activities on Facebook. Activists both in and outside the country know little more about the case.
Blocking Facebook: A Hot New Trend in Southeast Asia?
More and more governments in Southeast Asia are becoming aggressive in their efforts to block Facebook, especially during crisis moments. Netizens should respond by remaining vigilant.
“We Are Taking a Moral Stance Against Censorship”: Jordanian Website Defies Media Law
The website of Jordanian media advocacy platform 7iber was blocked for the second time last week. 7iber Editor Lina Ejeilat explains the group's opposition to the law behind the block.
Revolutionary Band Laal's Facebook Page is Now Accessible in Pakistan. Hooray? Not Really.
The unblocking of Laal was a minor battle won in the war over Internet content -- a war we are losing.
Moroccan Rapper Behind Bars While Justin Timberlake Performs A Few Miles Away
Activists have launched a campaign to free local rapper El-Haqed, who was arrested under what they say are trumped up charges, while the state sponsors Justin Timberlake and Alicia Keys.
“I Can Feel Total Censorship in the Air”: Internet Freedom Evaporates in Thailand
"Freedom of expression is Thailand is at stake...Simply criticising the Council could land one before a military court."
Why Blogging is a Threat to the Ethiopian Government
"The threat embodied in Ethiopia’s bloggers, journalists and free thinkers is that they are introducing a radical new idea—the idea of a freer, more democratic country."
#AB14: If I speak out, will I be punished for it?
Focusing on policies for the digital realm seems strange in a region where dissent and even fact-based reporting, whether they happen online or offline, so often have profound real-life consequences.
Arab Bloggers: A Blessed Generation?
"It’s no surprise that three years after the start of the Arab revolutions, the situation of online freedom of expression in the region seems almost as bleak as it did before 2011." Hisham Almiraat reflects on #AB14.
Privacy vs. Free Speech? Questioning the Conflict
"In the Arab world...we are still struggling to have our voices heard. I cannot accept the idea that the fight has now moved to the area of surveillance and away from free speech."
Indonesia: Twitter Defamation Case Casts Shadow on Media Landscape
Media freedom advocates call for a revision of Indonesia's 'draconian' Internet law after a local Twitter celebrity was found guilty of defaming a politician.
Hong Kong 2013: A Burgeoning New Media Sector and a Backward Government
Despite legal and technological barriers, new online media projects pushing making big waves in the push for transparency, accountability, and fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong.
