· February, 2011

Stories about Technology from February, 2011

Argentina: Hackathons and Budget Transparency in Bahía Blanca

  28 February 2011

As we have witnessed in the last month, there are moments in civic life that drive citizens to change and challenge institutions, to create solutions and to express their concerns about things that matter. In a short interview with Renata Avila for the Technology for Transparency Network, Manuel Aristarian, an...

Cambodia: Who Ordered the Blocking of Opposition Websites?

  27 February 2011

Since January, certain anti-government websites have been inaccessible in Cambodia. Service providers blame it on technical issues while the government claims it does not promote censorship. But media groups leaked a government letter asking companies to block critical websites.

China: 50 Cent Party's Fake Retweet

  27 February 2011

Several Chinese online activists have noticed that the 50 Cent Party has adopted a new tactic in creating fake retweets of prominent online opinion leaders. China Media Project has a brief account of the situation. Rebecca MacKinnon wonders if Twitter abuse team can deal with the problem of fake retweets.

Azerbaijan: Great People's Day

  27 February 2011

Activists in Azerbaijan have opened a Facebook page, 11 March – Great People's Day in Azerbaijan / 11 Mart – Böyük Xalq Günü, to attract support for their plans to protest after being inspired by popular uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia.

Armenia: Social Networks for Social Revolution?

  26 February 2011

With uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt and elsewhere in the Arab world, the extra-parliamentary opposition in Armenia is now seeking to replicate events in the former Soviet republic, and not least because 1 March 2011 will mark the 3rd anniversary of post-presidential election clashes which left 10 people dead.

Russia: Bloggers Deconstruct Isolationist Propaganda

RuNet Echo  26 February 2011

As Russia is approaching another election cycle (in 2011 Russians are supposed to elect the Parliament and in 2012 – the president) the voices of state propagandists get louder. The upcoming election process, tamed and controlled by the President's office and the ruling party "United Russia," will be happening in the context of the Arabian "Spring of Nations 2.0." This fact inspires pro-Democracy activists, as well as regime advocates.

Myanmar: Over 3,000 Attend Mandalay Barcamp 2011

  25 February 2011

The city of Mandalay in Myanmar held its first Barcamp two weeks ago which was attended by more than 3,000 participants. GV author Tan gives an overview of what transpired in the Barcamp by quoting from blogs and websites written in the Burmese language.

USA: From Utah to Egypt, Ideas for the Net

  25 February 2011

In Utah, the blog Etopianews encourages U.S. secretary of state Hilary Clinton consider how to involve citizens more actively in democratic governance using the internet, rather than merely offering support for online social movements in places like Tunisia and Egypt.

Chile: Electronic Textbooks for Schoolchildren?

  24 February 2011

The school year is starting in Chile, and Enzo Abbagliati in Cadaunadas wonders, “why aren't textbooks in Chile digital?” after he spent almost $300 USD in textbooks for his son. He presents possible advantages to giving schoolchildren electronic textbooks they could read on a tablet or e-reader.

Pakistan: TEDx Events Proliferating

  24 February 2011

Sonya Rehman, who spoke at a TEDxKinnaird event in Lahore, comments: “In Pakistan these days, TEDx has become a big deal what with numerous colleges/universities putting together their very own independent TED Talks.