Stories about Weblog from September, 2018
Nigerian Twitter has an impersonation problem — and the platform is failing to take action
The inaction of Twitter and the Nigerian government are worrisome particularly with Nigeria’s general elections coming up in 2019.
‘Crimes of solidarity’ in Europe multiply as 11 stand trial in Belgium for helping migrants
Activists in Belgium claim the trial is aimed at dissuading people from helping migrants by establishing an intimidating judicial precedent.
Protestors artfully demand the release of Shahidul Alam, Bangladesh's prisoner of conscience
"When a regime is governed by nothing but fear, it is often a sign that the regime might have lost its plot."
Netizen Report: Internet taxes are sweeping sub-Saharan Africa — and silencing citizens
The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Indigenous telecommunications network in Mexico to provide telephone and internet services via satellite
The first indigenous telecommunications network to provide mobile and Internet services in Mexico's rural communities will expand its services via satélite technology, enabling it to reach the most remote areas.
Japan’s vending machines strike again—this time with pizza and crepes
There is one vending machine for every 23 people in Japan and they still never fail to surprise.
‘Bien Chabacano’ blog preserves and promotes Asia's only Spanish-based creole language
"Unless more aggressive preservation efforts will be implemented, the day will come when Chabacano will only be spoken inside the home."
Meet Ujwol Dangol, founder of Kathmandu's first skate park
Despite skate's growing popularity around the world -- even set to debut in the summer Olympics in 2020 in Tokyo --, in Nepal, it is still somewhat associated with criminality.
As online spaces for sexual harassment proliferate, Hong Kong authorities struggle to keep up
"There is currently no law specifically to tackle upskirting, and from what we read from media reports about the crime, the punishment tends to be light"
Pakistan government's pro-minority stance questioned as Ahmadi economist's appointment is revoked
The appointment of Ahmadi Muslim economist Dr. Atif Mian to a government Council sparked a social media smear campaign, and right-wing religious parties threatened nationwide protests.
Cubans can now join public debates on new Constitution through digital platforms
"In a space like this no one has to ask to speak up, there is no schedule for debate."
Strongest typhoon to hit Japan in 25 years largely forgotten following massive earthquake
The media has struggled to cover the dizzying succession of disasters, leaving people feeling that some are eclipsing others in the public consciousness.
Jamaica finds new appreciation for beloved cultural icon and language activist, ‘Miss Lou’
"Underneath her wily comedic style, she forced the society to face unpleasant truths. But it is the unapologetic championing of the Jamaican language that so endeared her to many Jamaicans."
What an attack on a far-right presidential candidate means for Brazil politics
The attack was only the latest episode of a political drama plagued by violence and impunity.
More Afghan journalists killed as militants ramp up attacks on Shiites
"He was live moments ago on tv without knowing he himself will be making the headlines moments later. RIP dear friend."
Egyptian photojournalist Mahmoud Shawkan to be released soon after five years in prison
"He never should have been behind bars. He was arrested while doing his job as a photographer."
It is women who bear the brunt of the Venezuelan crisis
"In Venezuela, the term 'feminism' has been consumed, abused and above all, distorted by [those] in power."
Nauta Hogar: A tool for Cuban entrepreneurs
The Nauta Hogar Internet program is a step forward, but it is still not the solution for Cuban businesses in the technology sector.
As China faces record-breaking flood levels, authorities arrest two women for spreading ‘rumors’ of health risks
"If they could react to the floods as effectively [as they do to the 'rumors'], that would be great."
It is now legal to be gay in India
"For 29 years, I have lived in the shadow of this law, and now, just like that, it’s gone."
Students illustrate injustice and human rights abuses in the Philippines through the arts
"The youth are aware of what's happening in society. On the images you can see extrajudicial killings, charter change, war, and the gap between the poor and rich in society."