Stories about Freedom of Speech from April, 2015
What Does Censoring Nude Art Say About Us and Our Social Networks?
This post is the first in a series exploring the different ways in which artists face censorship online. Our base will be the experience of Venezuelan artist Erika Ordisgotti.
Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Silence Anti-War Voices on Yemen
Gulf Arab countries are stepping up the war on anti-war activists in the region. Both Kuwait and Bahrain have jailed activists for speaking up against the Saudi-led war on Yemen.
What Is Really Wrong With Policing in Maldives?
Blogger Kureege Fuluheh is a Maldivian ex-police officer, who writes about issues in policing and the police service in Maldives. The blogger analyses how the Maldives Police Service (MPS) is perceived by people over the last seven years and discusses what is the way forward: Worrying is police’ behaviour towards members...
Mexican Group Receives International Journalism Recognition Julio Anguita Parrado
Periodistas de a Pie (@periodistasdeapie), an active journalist organization that aims to raise the quality of journalism in Mexico, received the International Journalism Award Julio Anguita Parrado in Spain. Through training and exchanging investigation techniques, experiences, reporting strategies, narrative styles and ways of approaching a story with colleagues, the group aims...
Google Denies Russian Media Claims on Data Localization Move
Google representatives have denied Russian media reports that Google was bowing to Russia's demands and moving to store Russian users' data on servers inside the country, calling them "inaccurate."
Mocking Ecuador’s President Can Cost You Online Anonymity
After sending a threatening gift of flowers and exposing the individuals behind Crudo Ecuador, however, the Internet satirists surrendered, using the hashtag #UstedGanó (#YouWon).
Fifteen Years After Shootings, No Justice for Gambian Students
Fifteen years after security officers killed over a dozen students, a journalist and red cross volunteer, Gambians are still asking for justice.
Malaysia’s New Law Targets Online Sedition
"This latest curtailment of freedom of expression further restricts public discourse and will create a void in Malaysian social media and a deafening silence in news forums."
Pakistani University Students Protest Against State Censorship Over Balochistan
Pakistan's intelligence services and their social media supporters equate academic debate on Balochistan with treachery. The student body of the university they muffled has struck back.
Are Google and eBay Bowing to the Kremlin's Data Localization Demands?
Google and eBay may be caving to Russia's data localization law, a move that would leave users even more vulnerable to state surveillance than they are today.
Defending Internet Free Speech and Anonymity in Ecuador
Facing criticism from officials in the Ecuadorian government, several national and international organizations have signed the Manifesto for the Freedom of Expression, Anonymity, and Online Privacy in Ecuador.
The Kremlin Declares War on Memes
By saying it is illegal to add celebrities’ images to certain memes, the Kremlin could be opening the door to banning a whole genre of absurdist online humor.
Did Pakistani Spies Just Kill a University Debate on Balochistan?
Public discussions on Balochistan's war are rare. Pakistan's largest, least-populated and poorest province is witnessing its fifth separatist movement since 1947.
Sixty Million Russians Go Online Daily, New Report Shows
Russia now boasts higher Internet penetration than any other BRICS or CIS country, with over 60 percent of Russian adults regularly using the web.
Are the World's Biggest Internet Companies Under the Turkish President's Thumb?
Turkey's ruling party is becoming accustomed to getting its way more often than not in its long-running war on social media users.
Nigeria's King of Lagos Threatens Igbo People to Vote His Way—or Die
" If you do what I want, Lagos will continue to be prosperous for you. If you go against my wish, you will perish in the water."
Turkey Blocks Twitter, YouTube, Scores of Websites After Prosecutor’s Killing
After photos of public prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz with a gun pointed to his head began circulating on Twitter, hundreds of news sites and social networks were blocked.
Meet Mexico's Crowdfunding Campaign Against Censorship and Bots
A developer behind the crowdfunding project says the proposed software "would have the ability to analyze millions of messages and could also measure various parameters such as geographical origin."
Thailand’s New Security Law ‘Annihilates Freedom of Expression’
Thailand's military-backed government lifted martial law in the country but signed a new order which gave broad powers to army personnel.
In Bangladesh, a Mobile App Provides a Platform Where Women Can Feel Free to Talk
Maya provides a platform where women can freely speak about their emotional, medical, legal, and social needs anonymously, without being judged.
Bolivia to Host First International Community Radio and Free Software Conference
The first international conference on community radio and free software will be held in Cochabama, Bolivia from June 11-13, 2015. So far, the community radio stations from Spanish-speaking countries that have confirmed their assistance are: Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Uruguay, Venezuela, and of course, the host, Bolivia. The preliminary agenda...