Stories about East Asia from August, 2016
Dear Hong Kong Activists, Please Stop Telling Everyone Telegram is Secure
While we marched across Hong Kong Island, organizers shouted, “download Telegram, it's more secure than WhatsApp!” But Telegram is not more secure than Whatsapp -- in many circumstances, it's worse.
Justice as Usual, or Attack on Free Speech? Debunking Singapore’s Contempt-of-Court Bill
"Leaving people confused over what can or can’t be said will have a chilling effect, whatever the intention of the law, further entrenching a culture of self-censorship and passive citizenship."
Japanese Police Are Spying on Muslims, Despite The Constitution
The Supreme Court's dismissal of a case questioning the legality of putting Muslims under surveillance based on their religion alone brought a long series of court battles to an end.
Netizen Report: In China and the Middle East, Pokémon GO is Not All Fun and Games
While Pokemon continues to make waves across the globe, the UAE passes a perplexing new VPN law, Brazil's battle with WhatsApp continues and Mexican indigenous groups launch their own telco.
‘This Is a 99.99 Percent Democracy’ and Other Orwellian Newspeak by Thailand's Junta
"The closer to the August referendum, the more intense intimidation gets."