Stories about Technology from May, 2016
Russian Officials Make Plans for an Autonomous, State-Controlled Internet
Although the bill is in its early stages, should it become law, all of the RuNet's critical infrastructure would fall under complete control of the Russian state.
Ghanaian Minister Vows Not to Ban Whatsapp, Skype and Viber Calls
"Methinks the telcos need to smell the coffee because the traditional 'voice game' is over, and with it, the monopoly profits they used to make."
Venezuela: Research Confirms Censorship of News Platforms, Currency Websites
The study also confirmed that all local Internet service providers using DNS (domain name system) blocking, technique through which domain name servers respond incorrectly to requests for a particular domain.
Creating a Space for Guinea's National Languages on the Internet
"We must not make anyone feel marginalised because they have little or no understanding of the French language."
Mexico Launches National Transparency Platform
Mexico has a new tool to combat the opacity of public servants and of those who govern. But its effectiveness in practice remains to be seen.
Ugandans Are Finally Back on Social Media After Days-Long Blackout
The Uganda Communications Commission ordered the sites blocked for "security reasons" ahead of President Yoweri Museveni's inauguration. Authorities also blocked access to social media during elections in February.
‘Biko Zulu’, ‘They Call Me Daktari’ and ‘Mummy Tales’ Among the Winners of the Kenyan Blog Awards
The winners of the Kenyan Blog Awards 2016 were announced at a gala event that took place on May 14 in Kenya's capital Nairobi.
The Government of Mozambique is “Spying on its Citizens”, According to @Verdade
The order to intercept information was secured by military command between 2012-2014, and installed by the Chinese ZTE Corporation. Listening in on citizens is said to have begun in 2013.
A Hub for African Digital Art, From Science Fiction Maasai Warriors to Star Wars Re-Imagined in Africa
What if after an annihilation of humans by a lethal virus brought by aliens, the only survivors were the beautiful and strong Maasai people?
Social Media Blocked in Uganda Ahead of President Museveni's Inauguration
"Darkness hovering over Uganda...VPN is the only way to go now"
Canadian Man Forced to Leave Nepal Over Controversial Tweets
Robert Penner, a Canadian man who currently finds himself mired in a controversy about a series of provocative tweets, left Nepal after the Supreme Court postponed his appeal hearing.
Indians Applaud a Journalist's Passionate Takedown of a Body-Shaming Facebook Meme
"We judge her everything merely on the basis of her size and colour of her skin," wrote Tiyash Mukhopadhyay about a popular meme featuring Oscar-nominated Hollywood actress Gabourey Sidibe.
#LeyTelecom: Mexican Supreme Court Ratifies Geolocation and Retention of Metadata
Mexico's Supreme Court has ratified the indiscriminate retention of metadata, allowing authorities to use real-time geolocation of mobile devices. But the battle in defense of privacy is far from over.
This New Data Set Is Poised to Revolutionize Climate Adaptation
By combining satellite and on-ground weather information, scientists are improving our ability to bring resilience to extreme weather for the world’s poorest people.
Is Telegram Really Safe for Activists Under Threat? These Two Russians Aren't So Sure.
Russian opposition activists are investigating the possible role of state law enforcement in the remote hacking of their Telegram messenger accounts.
‘I Was Forced to Drink My Own Urine’: ‘Freedom’ For Netizens After 647 Days Locked Up, But Not For All
Ethiopia's Federal High Court acquits two men who spent more than 600 days incarcerated on terrorism charges that critics allege were politically motivated. A third man was not so lucky.
