Stories about Freedom of Speech from August, 2022
Towards digital authoritarianism in Nepal: Surveillance, data collection, and online repression
Nepal government’s COVID-19 response opened the door to various threats to human and digital rights. Nepal must decide on its own path if it envisions a democratic digital ecosystem.
In Turkey, the arrest of a popular singer prompts debate on the justice system and more
Gülşen's arrest prompted her fans and rights activists to accuse the state of a disproportionate justice system, as well as steering the country in a more conservative direction.
Whistleblowing is a service to society: Interview with Disruption Network Lab director Tatiana Bazzichelli
Whistleblowers are painted as heroes or villains, but what motivates them? Global Voices spoke to Tatiana Bazzichelli, a writer who recently edited "Whistleblowing for Change," an anthology on the subject.
Iranian women’s rights activists face new online threats
Flooding social media accounts with fake followers and then mass reporting the accounts is a regular tactic used by state forces to silence rights defenders in Iran.
Unable to emigrate and not welcome at home: The Azerbaijani political refugees in limbo
For many Azerbaijanis fleeing the country, among them regular migrants as well as political activists, Germany has become a popular destination. But it has not been a smooth ride.
YouTube is temporarily blocked during former PM's political rally in Pakistan
After blocking Khan's speeches from satellite TV, the government seems to be trying to stop his campaigning from being heard online as well.
Unfreedom Monitor Report: Russia
Advox research into digital authoritarianism in Russia is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
Undertones: Anti-war activity is not over in Russia, says Russian researcher
"It's hard to know all that is being done, because journalism is nearly dead, even though there is still a lot going on in spite of circumstances."
Myanmar detains Japanese journalist who covered protest
"We call for freedom of expression and the protection of journalists in Myanmar and abroad."
Unfreedom Monitor Report: India
Advox research into digital authoritarianism in India is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
After US House Speaker Pelosi’s visit, fake news flooded Taiwan's social media
The fake news circulated in Taiwan days surrounding Pelosi's visit mainly aimed at insulting Pelosi, showing off China's military power in the drills, belittling Taiwan's status.
In Brazil and India we are seeing an increase in tensions between platforms and states
Research from the Unfreedom Monitor uncovers a pattern in the way that social media and tech platforms engage with states that practise digital authoritarianism.
Is modern Macedonian music popular in neighboring Serbia?
Though media in Serbia prefer traditional Macedonian folk music to modern takes, one Macedonian DJ based in Novi Sad is working on introducing modern Macedonian tunes to a Serbian audience.
Marcos-Duterte critic arrested for cyber libel in the Philippines
"What a wonderful display of unity in defense of our common values! With solidarity like this, how can we possibly lose?"
Georgia's ruling party is committed to silencing independent media
The ruling Georgian Dream party said the ad was negatively representing the party, affecting its electoral future.
Unfreedom Monitor Report: Turkey
Advox research into digital authoritarianism in Turkey is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
Nepali activists protest Myanmar executions
On July 26, Nepali rights activists took to the streets of Kathmandu against the execution of four democratic activists by Myanmar’s ruling army junta.
In Turkey, religious values are used to censor online content
Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office claims the music streaming platform approved playlists that were "insulting religious values and state officials."
Bangladesh government instructs TV channels not to use the word ‘Indigenous’ when referring to ethnic tribes
On July 19, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a notice to 35 TV channels asking the media and civil society not to use the word ‘Adivasi’ (indigenous people).
Solomon Islands officials order national broadcaster to stop promoting ‘disunity’
"It may well be draconian leaving no room for corruption by ministers and government officials to be brought to public attention."
Undertones: How a composite sketch gone viral sparked a debate in Nicaragua
A digital campaign pressured the Nicaraguan government to show images of a political prisoner
