Stories about Censorship from September, 2014
Thailand's Military Stops University Lecture on ‘Authoritarianism’ and Detains Professors
Academics from various universities in Thailand have deplored the action taken by the army and the government as an attack on academic freedom.
Anton Nossik on the Coming End of Facebook, Twitter, and Google in Russia
Media expert and founding member of the Russian blogosphere Anton Nossik explains why he thinks the end is nigh in Russia for websites used by billions around the globe.
How Not to Understand the Kremlin's Internet ‘Kill Switch’
The justifications for preparing a “self-sufficient RuNet” are weak. The tools necessary for such a feat, moreover, would empower the Kremlin to restrict Russia's vital communications in an instant.
In Crimea, No Room for Blogger Liza Bogutskaya And Her Pro-Ukrainian Views
Liza Bogutskaya's outspokenness against what she sees as Russia's illegal occupation of Crimea has made her a favorite of pro-Ukrainians online and an enemy of the Russian state administering Crimea.
Macedonian Media Stonewalls Popular Hip-Hop Artist's Pro-Freedom Song
Popular Macedonian hip-hop artist has seen his career come to a near stop after releasing a song and music video that discusses freedom of speech issues in Macedonia.
Right to Be Forgotten: A Win for Argentina's Lawsuit-Happy Celebrities?
What kind of information is in the public interest? Is it possible (or desirable) to define this? Free expression attorney Ramiro Alvarez examines this question in the context of Argentina.
The Internet Helps Double Russia's Number of Extremism Cases
The number of criminal cases opened on extremism charges in Russia doubled during 2014, and the Internet is responsible for the growth, as more political activity and activism happen online.
After Years of Censorship in Pakistan, Zeejah Fazli Is Trying to Fix Islamabad’s Fractured Music Industry
Meet guitarist Zeejah Fazli who works hard to create new opportunities in Islamabad’s limited music industry.
Nearly 70% of Young Iranians Use Illegal Internet Circumvention Tools
According to Iran’s list of Computer Crimes, the distribution of both circumvention technology and instructions to use such tools are both illegal. Violating these laws can result in severe punishment.
Was a Popular Saint Lucia Blog Taken Down by Google Hateful or Just Outspoken?
The no-holds-barred, muckraking blog had become both notorious and controversial among people interested in local politics -- and then it was blocked, without warning.
Who Says You Can Block Google? Chinese Citizen Sues Telco, Demands Answers
The Chinese government has a heavy hand when it comes to online content. But exactly which government authorities set Internet censorship policy? A citizen lawsuit against China Unicom seeks answers.
China's New Regulations on Instant Messaging Tools Explained
Hu Yong, associate professor at Peking University’s School of Journalism and Communication, explained the issue at stake regarding China's latest regulations on instant messaging tools on Chinafile. The regulations forbidden...
Lebanon Blocks Six Porn Sites, Sparks Fears of Further Censorship
Internet users worry that the decision, made by the Ministry of Justice, could lead the government down a slippery slope to greater censorship.
The Iranian Government Is Blocking Unregistered News Sites
Iranian news sites that do comply with registration requirements will receive a government subsidy.
Confessions of an Angry Iranian
Iranian Political satirist Kambiz Hosseini on anger, the Islamic Republic and why his therapist made him buy a satellite dish.
For Russian Soldiers in Ukraine, the Mobile Phone May Be as Mighty as the Sword
The heyday of social media scoops from inside the Russian war machine may be over. Or maybe not. Some soldiers will always manage to sneak in phones.
This Russian Lawmaker Thinks the US Can Take Russia Off The Internet
A deputy in the Russian parliament thinks the United States might cut off Russia's internet and suggests Russians take measures to get ready for the information blackout.
Skeptical Crimean Blogger Now Writes “Only About Politics”
Previously filled with interesting or amusing content, with only occasional forays into the world of politics, now Sedelnikov's blog is entirely devoted to covering the conflict in Eastern Ukraine.
How Bloggers Ended Up in Prison for Writing About Human Rights in Ethiopia
Melody Sundberg analyses freedom of expression in Ethiopia after detained Ethiopian bloggers spent 100 days in prison: Ethiopia is with its almost 94 million population the second most populated country...
Russian Social Networks Dominate in Ukraine Despite Information War
Russian VKontakte and Odnoklassniki networks dominate the social media market in Ukraine, according to new research from Russian Internet giant Yandex.
