Latest stories
In the Philippines, cyber censorship is a new form of authoritarianism
Qurium’s investigation revealed that the cyber attacks were coming from the Philippine military, using the government infrastructure of the Department of Science and Technology.
Unfreedom Monitor Report: Ecuador
Advox research into digital authoritarianism in Ecuador is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
Hong Kong purges public libraries of politically sensitive books
The Audit Commission released a report demanding the public library operator step up its efforts in removing books that were “manifestly contrary” to the interests of national security.
Is Telegram profiting from Myanmar's nightmare?
There are problematic channels growing around the Myanmar Telegram market but the company ignores the issues.
Cameroon: Freedom in chains
Article 113 of the Criminal Procedure Code punishes with imprisonment from three months to three years anyone who issues or spreads false news when such news is likely to harm the public authorities or national cohesion.
Unfreedom Monitor Report: Kazakhstan
Advox research into digital authoritarianism in Kazakhstan is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
Pakistan on edge: Protests continue as Imran Khan's arrest sparks outrage
Former Pakistani PM Imran Khan was arrested from a courthouse on Tuesday afternoon. The news of Khan's arrest has sparked heated demonstrations and raised concerns about political instability in Pakistan.
In Kazakhstan, political dissidents accused of spreading disinformation
These incidents show how the Kazakh government does not hesitate to abuse its own laws, purportedly enacted to safeguard citizens, for its own ends to repress dissent and maintain control of the narrative.
The plight of Kurdish journalists in their struggle for free expression
Kurdish journalists lack a recognized nation state and political recognition. They face opposition from their host countries, which attempt to erase their identity and suppress their freedom of expression.
Unfreedom Monitor Report: Myanmar
Advox research into digital authoritarianism in Myanmar is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
The quiet weeding out of Hong Kong’s media landscape
In 20 years, Hong Kong has dropped from 18th to 148th in the World Press Freedom Ranking, which translates into less critical coverage, less investigative reporting, and a less appealing work environment for talented journalists.
Unfreedom Monitor Report: Cameroon
Advox research into digital authoritarianism in Cameroon is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
The press and human rights in Trinidad & Tobago
"I believe press freedom is intrinsically aligned to a wide swathe of freedoms and human rights ..."
The Caribbean outlook on World Press Freedom Day
Despite dismissiveness from elected officials, as well as instances of verbal abuse and cyberbullying, Caribbean journalists press on.
Shimaa Samy discusses the challenges of being a journalist in Egypt today: an interview
Egyptian laws limit freedom of expression, with charges of blasphemy, incitement, spreading false news, destabilizing the country. Even "protecting family values" is often used as a pretext to suppress journalists.
Social media censorship and information manipulation after Sadyr Zhaparov's rise in Kyrgyzstan
The Kyrgyz authorities are also using the narrative of “foreign interests” to adopt a law on ‘foreign agents’ largely inspired by the Russian model.
Unfreedom Monitor Report: Hong Kong
Advox research into digital authoritarianism in Hong Kong is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
Thailand election debate: Parties share stand on royal defamation law
Representatives of 10 political parties shared their positions on the controversial law which has been actively enforced to silence criticism supposedly in order to protect the monarchy.
The consequences of online discrimination and authoritarianism for minorities
In most countries, three-quarters or more of the targets of online hate speech are members of minority groups, with women being disproportionately targeted.
What is red-tagging and why it is dangerous in the Philippines?
With the enactment of the Anti-Terrorism Act in 2020, red-tagged individuals and groups face the risks of being subjected to surveillance, freezing of assets, and restriction of movement, among others.