Stories from April, 2015
Digital Citizen 2.7
Digital Citizen is a biweekly review of news, policy, and research on human rights and technology in the Arab World.
Google Denies Russian Media Claims on Data Localization Move
Google representatives have denied Russian media reports that Google was bowing to Russia's demands and moving to store Russian users' data on servers inside the country, calling them "inaccurate."
Iran's Minister of ICT Suggests Instagram Will Not Be (Completely) Blocked Until an Alternative Is Found
Iran's leading reformist newspaper, Shargh, ran an article this past Sunday entitled: “The promises of the Minister of ICT to clear the problems of mobile social media.” The focus of...
An Aggressive Turn in Chinese Censorship Practices: ‘The Great Cannon’
"It is likely that this attack, with its potential for political backlash, would require the approval of high-level authorities within the Chinese government."
Malaysia’s New Law Targets Online Sedition
"This latest curtailment of freedom of expression further restricts public discourse and will create a void in Malaysian social media and a deafening silence in news forums."
Are Google and eBay Bowing to the Kremlin's Data Localization Demands?
Google and eBay may be caving to Russia's data localization law, a move that would leave users even more vulnerable to state surveillance than they are today.
Netizen Report: Turkey’s Erdogan Fights to Control the Conversation, Online and in Print
A Malaysian cartoonist faces sedition charges, SnapChat goes transparent, and Venezuela faces possible new social media regulations.
Is Global Voices Blocked in Iran? Yes and No.
Globalvoicesonline.org is now blocked in Iran. But you can outsmart these Internet filters and access our site by adding "https://" to the beginning of the URL. What's up with that?
Are the World's Biggest Internet Companies Under the Turkish President's Thumb?
Turkey's ruling party is becoming accustomed to getting its way more often than not in its long-running war on social media users.
Turkey Blocks Twitter, YouTube, Scores of Websites After Prosecutor’s Killing
After photos of public prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz with a gun pointed to his head began circulating on Twitter, hundreds of news sites and social networks were blocked.
Thailand’s New Security Law ‘Annihilates Freedom of Expression’
Thailand's military-backed government lifted martial law in the country but signed a new order which gave broad powers to army personnel.
In Conflict with China's Internet Security Regulator, Chinese Techies Side with Google, Mozilla
Chinese social media users are openly expressing support for the decision of both Google and Mozilla to revoke security certificates issued by China's Internet Network Information Center.
Bahraini Human Rights Defender Nabeel Rajab Arrested Again for Tweets
Leading Bahraini human rigts activist Nabeel Rajab was arrested from his home today, allegedly over tweets he shared on the microblogging site regarding the situation of prisoners in Jaw Prison.
Netizen Report: Two Bangladeshi Bloggers Assassinated for Critical Speech
Egypt calls for "safer" Internet policies, China’s Cyberspace Administration bans “wife-swapping” stories, and thuggery abounds.
Digital Citizen 2.6
Digital Citizen is a biweekly review of news, policy, and research on human rights and technology in the Arab World. Subscribe here for updates. In the face of regular suspensions...
