Stories about Digital Activism
The aftermath of #EndSARS: The Twitter ban and what it means for young Nigerians
The nationwide #EndSARS movement against police brutality which took the country by storm in October 2020 demonstrated the power of digital media when used as a tool for advocacy.
Is China exporting its surveillance state to Venezuela?
One of the largest Chinese defense companies has been pointed out for providing the Venezuelan government software to block access to the Internet and to spy on its detractors.
Why did Twitter support Nigeria’s #EndSARS and not Ghana’s #FixTheCountry?
Although the reason is unclear, Twitter’s actions suggest an unwillingness to interfere in Ghana's politics as it did in Nigeria, even if it means not defending citizens digital rights.
Kazakhstan considers new legislation to hinder social media
New legislative amendments are poised to curtail the activity of social media companies in Kazakhstan. Ostensibly to protect children's rights, the restrictions could enhance government snooping.
Reviving the Cree and Ojibwe languages of Manitoba with TikTok
Sharissa Neault and Noah Malazdrewicz make fun videos in their languages to help Indigenous youth who think their culture and language are lost to reconnect with them.
Ahead of September elections, Russia tightens grip on remaining online freedoms
Ahead of Russia's parliamentary elections on September 17-19, the state's crackdown on opposition groups, circumvention tools and internet infrastructure has escalated to a fever pitch.
Investigative journalism group OCCRP says it will no longer work in Russia
Drew Sullivan, OCCRP's co-founder and editor-in-chief, said their work in Russia at the moment would do local reporters "more harm than good."
Russia blocks popular website for worker complaints
Antijob, an online database of anonymous complaints about Russian employers, has been blocked by censors following a defamation case brought by a Moscow real estate firm.
In Turkey, religious cleric joins calls to censor social media
Ali Erbas, the head of the Religious Affairs Directorate in Turkey suggests using Islamic jurisprudence to control social media platforms.
After Twitter labeled Serbian pro-government media: It is important to know who controls and exercises pressure on media
Top Serbian state officials accused Twitter of censorship after it posted labels on the profiles and tweet of media outlets that don't enjoy editorial independence from the government.
Renewed calls for government protection after another Kuwaiti man kills woman relative
Activists call for shelters for women facing abuse at home, and the abolishing of article 153 in Kuwait's penal code which reduces the punishment for honor killings.
A month after vaccine mandate protests, opposition figures arrested in St Vincent & the Grenadines
After the prime minister was injured during an August protest, a woman was arrested for the assault. Four opposition members/supporters have since been charged in relation to the protests.
Digital Campaign in Bangladesh gains momentum as women speak up against misogyny
A feminist grassroots network in Bangladesh has started an innovative campaign on Facebook to protest the media trial, moral policing and sexist language in covering women celebrities.
Earth Defenders Toolkit launched to help communities navigate digital tools for defending environmental rights
Launched in July 2021, the toolkit aims to enable grassroots environmental protection communities to find and use the resources most helpful to them without seeding their dependence on external support.
Blogger gets prison sentence for branding Kazakhstan's language policies “russophobic”
According to Taichimbekov, the Kazakh state has been "sourcing Russian individuals who speak out in favor of banning Russian television, banning Russian language, excluding it from the Constitution."
LIVE on August 25 (in Spanish): How COVID-19 fueled the protests in Cuba, Guatemala and Colombia
From Cuba to Colombia to Guatemala—countries with very different political contexts—people have taken to streets in recent times to demand change. What do these countries have in common?
With attacks on Ukrainian activists on the rise, civic pressure is key to ensuring justice
Harassment and attacks against civic activists in Ukraine are on the rise, say human rights defenders. Anti-corruption work, environmentalism, and LGBT rights remain the most dangerous spheres of activism.
Belarus court labels independent media outlets Tut.by, Zerkalo.io as ‘extremist’
The ruling applies to every single piece of content on the Tut.by and Zerkalo.io websites, as well as to all content posted on their social media channels.
In Turkey, a social media battle amid ongoing blazes
To counter the trending #HelpTurkey the government responded with its own hashtags #StrongTurkiye and #WeDontNeedHelp.
Down with the patriarchy: Transfeminist and non-binary Bolivians speak out on TikTok
La Pesada Subversiva hopes to "invade" online spaces with content about anti-patriarchal demands from the voices of the protagonists themselves.
