Stories about Censorship
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.
In Turkey, a raki commercial goes viral for its political undertones
As Turkey heads into general elections, it was not the 100th-anniversary that came to mind, but rather the celebrations that will take place if the ruling AKP loses.
Antiwar art on the streets of Saint Petersburg: A form of resistance
A showcase of antiwar art that appeared on the streets of Saint Petersburg in 2022 and 2023, all of which have already been destroyed by the authorities.
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.
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.
Underscoring the challenges of promoting digital rights in Southeast Asia
"…information disorders have been weaponized for political gain, while oppressive governments have tried to control the internet, particularly through social media, and crackdown on dissidents using digital surveillance as tactic."
Sri Lanka's proposed anti-terrorism law aims to curb civil protests
There is growing dissent within Sri Lanka against the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), which is intended to replace the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the accompanying bill.
The normalization of Chinese-style censorship in Hong Kong
While the Hong Kong's National Security Law primarily targeted politicians of the pro-democratic opposition, activists, and critical media outlets, it soon also engulfed Hong Kong’s arts and culture scene.
Russia, Ukraine, and the reemergence of demonstrative political murders
Fomin was one of "patriotic" war bloggers who grew more and more critical of the Kremlin, saying its moves were not decisive or radical enough.
‘History of love in the country of hatred': influencers detained in Russia for LGBTQ+ ‘propaganda’
Apart from widespread censorship, the Russian "anti- LGBT propaganda" law leads to unprecedented pressure on LGBTQ+ people and the organizations helping them.
New study finds internet censorship in Turkmenistan reaches over 122,000 domains
"One of the worst blocking rules in Turkmenistan is that the government blocks every website that ends with w.org, which is Wordpress, used by activists and bloggers."
The designer of the ‘Thanks to Erdoğan’ sticker campaign lands in the president's crosshairs
The stickers read: "This product is expensive because of us. Remember this when you vote," accompanied by pictures of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his political ally Devlet Bahçeli.
In Turkey, a popular TV Show gets slapped with fines and a broadcast ban
Ever since the show's premiere in October 2022, its been criticized by both fronts of Turkish society — the secularists and the conservatives.
‘A great day to be a journalist in Fiji’ as Parliament repeals ‘draconian’ media law
"Some of Fiji's best journalists left the industry as a result and the media still carry the mental scars today from that very disturbing period."
Thailand's upcoming general election is fundamentally flawed, say rights groups
HRW and over 50 Thai and international civil society groups highlighted the shrinking spaces for freedoms and democratic processes in Thailand in joint letters to 25 of Thailand’s democratic allies and trading partners.
In Turkey, will one man continue to rule them all? The May 14th elections hold the answer
The stakes are high, and there is a growing sense among the general public that if the current leadership stays in power, the country's future is grim and uncertain.
Why do Western governments delegate border control to AI more and more? An interview with Petra Molnar
Many Western governments delegate border control and refugee crisis management to private companies that rely more and more on AI and technology, in effect dehumanizing people on the move.
Pakistan's recent Wikipedia ban sparks controversy over blasphemy laws and freedom of speech
The Pakistani government has repeatedly enforced several restrictions on accessing certain websites and online material, often citing reasons such as national security, blasphemy laws, and moral principles.
Police in Kyrgyzstan pressures exiled anti-war Russians to keep quiet
The war in Ukraine presented Bishkek a challenging task of navigating Russia’s demands for explicit support of its invasion and the risks of falling under Western sanctions.
