Stories about Law from August, 2017
India’s Latest Internet Shutdown Hits Haryana and Punjab
According to the New Delhi-based Software Freedom Law Centre, India has seen 106 internet shutdowns since 2012.
Netizen Report: Vietnam Targets ‘Illegal Cyber Information’ — and Political Speech
Global Voices Advocacy's Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in internet rights around the world.
India’s Supreme Court Says Privacy Is a Fundamental Right. How Did This Happen?
A series of citizen petitions attempting to challenge the implementation of India's Aadhaar biometric ID system preceded the historic court decision.
An Indian Transgender Couple Receives Death Threats After Announcing Plans to Marry and Adopt
"We too have the same rights to live in this world, as you all are having...We aren't disturbing anyone else. In fact, we've to fight a lot to survive itself."
Rape Conviction of an Indian Cult Chief Leaves Millions of Followers in Limbo
As the chief headed to court in Panchkula with a convoy of 700 cars, thousands of followers gathered on the streets of Haryana and Punjab in support of their 'godman.'
Guatemala's Top Court Rules President Can't Expel Anti-Corruption Commissioner
Guatemalans headed back to the streets to celebrate the court's decision and demand that the president step down.
The Evolution of China's Great Firewall: 21 Years of Censorship
Technically speaking, circumvention technologies have outwitted the Great Firewall. Yet the new legal regime has changed the rules of the game.
Chinese Tech Firms Are at the Cutting Edge of Artificial Intelligence — But at What Cost?
China has a more open attitude toward new technology, but is their success built upon a lack of awareness of individual rights?
Cambodia Shutdown of Media Outlets: Tax and Licensing Issue or Censorship?
"It appears that the Cambodian government has been using legal technicalities to hide behind its real aim of silencing independent voices."
China to Ban Anonymous Online Comments, Blacklist Users
"With or without real name registration, they know who you are. What they intend to do is to make you fearful."
Venezuelan Government Wants to Regulate Hatred on Social Media
Today, with an all-powerful ANC composed solely of representatives from the governing party, it seems unlikely that anything will be able to stop the law from being approved.
Chinese Police Arrested a Man for Complaining About Hospital Food. Netizens Say It’s Police Abuse.
Even state-affiliated media outlets are criticizing police actions against a man who publicly complained about the price and quality of food at a state hospital.
‘Privacy is a Fundamental Right': Advocates Hail India's Supreme Court Ruling
The ruling followed multiple citizen petitions that challenged the government's move to make Aadhaar -- India's national digital ID system -- mandatory for various social welfare benefits.
‘You Can Lock Up Our Bodies, But Not Our Minds': Hong Kong Court Sends 16 Activists to Prison
"The appeal and jail sentence is a form of institutional violence and political suppression – it has ‘created’ the youngest group of political prisoners since the handover."
In Tunisia's ‘State of Emergency’, a New Police Protection Law Could Allow More Abuse — With Impunity
Supported by the interior ministry and police unions, the bill is being criticized by human rights groups.
Palestinian Journalists Become First Targets of Controversial Cybercrime Law
The journalists were accused of "leaking information to hostile entities" under a newly-adopted cybercrime law.
Jamaica Police Review Absolves Officers in Tivoli Gardens Incursion
The Jamaican Constabulary Force's assessment of its actions during the 2010 state of emergency is being interpreted as "defensive and dismissive in a manner that is not appropriate or useful."
India Bans the Internet Archive and More Than 2,600 File-Sharing Websites to Protect Bollywood
The ban is the result of a court ruling, based on the petitions of two Bollywood producers, to stop file-sharing websites from distributing pirated copies of recently released movies.
Thai Journalist and Two Other Critics of Military-Led Government Face Sedition Charges Over Facebook Posts
"I will continue to criticize the illegitimate military regime until they take away my smartphone."
Will Palestine's New Cybercrime Law Pave the Way for More Rights Violations?
The law places several restrictions on free expression through vague terms like "social harmony", "state security" and "public order".