Stories about Digital Activism from October, 2022
‘Avengers’ assemble on Twitter to help bring out the vote in Brazil
With a call from Samuel L. Jackson, actors such as Mark Ruffalo and Robert Downey Jr, joined Brazilian influencers to talk about the importance of voting in the presidential runoff
Undertones: Brazil copes with ‘digital militias’ ahead of tense elections
Some are asking the courts to not sacrifice what is urgent (stopping the flow of disinformation) for what is important — safeguarding democratic processes.
‘Call them by their names’: Stories of Russian anti-war political prisoners
In March 2022 the Russian parliament passed amendments to the Russian Criminal Code allowing for real prison terms for an anti-war stance. Some people now face up to 10 years in prison.
More guns, fewer control mechanisms: Brazilian journalist analyzes Bolsonaro’s gun policy
"The access to guns was expanded and control mechanisms did not follow the growth pace of guns in the hands of civilians," says Cecilia Olliveira.
Ola Bini, the cyberactivist who causes panic in Ecuador
"There is a fear of the knowledge of the computer security and cybersecurity community.”
Ugandan poet spreads her message despite new law to criminalize online dissent
The irony in the duality of how President Museveni decisively dealt with his son's threats of war on Twitter versus his treatment of dissident Dr. Nyanzi was not lost on many Ugandans.
In the face of stubborn adherence to outdated dress codes, one Trinidadian citizen gets creative
Allison Skinner-Bacchus, who had travelled quite a distance to cash a cheque and was denied entry because of her sleeveless attire, created a unique style to get her business done.
Ukrainians and Russians turn to Twitter memes about Elon Musk, but this time the tone is no longer humorous
Ukrainians, disappointed in Musk's "peace" proposal, are posting various, sometimes horrific, war scenes with the previously humorous sign "How do you like this, Elon Musk?"
Digitization of public services in Albania has increased their quality, digital rights analyst claims
Albania’s digital "revolution" started in 2013 when government provided 14 electronic services online; today its government provides 1,225 e-services.
The world must hear the voice of Iranian women
The Iranian government is attempting to silence the online and offline voices of women and all dissidents through a brutal and ongoing crackdown.
Activists speculate on Elon Musk's foreign influence after proposing Ukraine and Taiwan peace deals
Speculation about Elon Musk’s ties with Beijing and the Kremlin have been boiling on Twitter after the world's richest man proposed peace plans for the Ukraine-Russia and Taiwan-China conflicts.
Twitter Space: The Ukrainian language and its global significance
Read excerpts from our Twitter space on the Ukrainian language, the best tools for learning Ukrainian, parallels between Ukrainian refugees and other displaced peoples, and more. Find the full audio here.
Unfreedom Monitor report: Data Governance
Advox research on data governance as a tool of digital authoritarianism is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
Brazil’s first round of elections: left scores historical wins but bolsonarism still strong
Despite coming in second place by about 6 million votes in the first round, Bolsonaro's allies managed to secure more seats in parliaments and as governors than Lula's candidates, showing his force to mobilize votes.
Women in Turkey stand in solidarity with women of Iran
In Turkey where women’s rights keep deteriorating, the murder of Mahsa Amini hits close to home. Women from across all walks of life express solidarity with the protests in Iran.
