Stories about Censorship from December, 2015
China's 2nd World Internet Conference Will Focus on ‘Rule of Law’, But Not Free Expression
"These conferences have had no credibility ever since the first one, whose real aim was to ensure that Internet companies wanting to operate in China fall into line."
South Indian Singer Prosecuted for Song Critical of State Government
“A law that is repeatedly used to arrest singers, cartoonists and writers has no place in a democracy – and should be repealed.”
Bangladesh Unblocks All Social Media Services (For Now)
Contradictory statements from authorities have left many Bangladeshis wondering what was behind the ban on Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter and other major communications platforms.
Thai Worker Arrested for Mocking the King’s Dog on Facebook
Authorities will also file sedition charges against the Facebook user for 'liking' and 'sharing' an infographic which explains a corruption scandal involving the military.
Nigerian Lawmakers May Criminalize ‘Abusive’ and Anti-Government Messages Online
Nigeria's social media landscape is poised for dramatic changes, if lawmakers get their way with a new bill that would make it possible to sentence Internet bullies to prison time.
Low Bandwidth, High Hopes: Digital Participation in Venezuelan Elections
Despite low bandwidth and a series of localized Internet outages, the Web proved critical to public discourse and circulation of information about candidates, especially those running with the opposition.
Bangladesh's Censor Board Blocks the Country's First Chakma-Language Film
There are a number of indigenous groups with unique cultures in Bangladesh. However, their lives and languages are rarely highlighted in Bangladeshi films or national broadcasts.
Russia Sentences First Activist to Three Years in Jail for Peaceful Protest
Ildar Dadin, jailed for three years for single-person pickets, pleaded not guilty and called the case against him a "shameful persecution based on an unconstitutional law."
Ecuadorean Political Leader Who Criticized Government Nepotism on Twitter Gets 15 Days in Prison
A few tweets about an alleged case of nepotism in Ecuador's Government earned Sebastian Cevallos a sentence of 15 days in jail.
In Twitter’s Crackdown on the Ayatollah's Bots, Journalists Are the Collateral Damage
Several reporters have been suspended on Twitter for posting content related to Khamenei and his latest public outreach campaign.
Netizen Report: ‘Terrorist Threat’ or Political Speech? States Target Social Media Post-Paris
Saudi threatens to sue anyone who compares its penal system to ISIS, China cuts mobile phone service for ethnic minorities and Google goes to bat for fair use.
Thai Printers Scrub Front-Page Article From The International New York Times
"The article in this space was removed by our printer in Thailand. The International New York Times and its editorial staff had no role in its removal."
Russia Sees Its First Real Prison Sentence for ‘Promoting Extremism’ on Social Media
A Russian court has handed out a real prison term to a user charged with "propaganda of extremism on social media," sentencing him to one year in a penal colony.
