World Day Against Cyber Censorship

March 12 is World Day Against Cyber Censorship. International press freedom advocacy group Reporters Without Borders organized the first World Day Against Cyber Censorship in 2008, calling on activists, movements and organizations around the world to participate by reminding their constituents of the importance of protecting free expression online.

Image by RSF, published with permission for reuse.

Image by RSF, published with permission for reuse.

The Internet and social networks have been conclusively established as tools for protest, campaigning, and circulating information, and as vehicles for advancing human rights and democratic values. The aim of the day is to defend human rights online, promote Internet accessibility for all, and expose enemies of Internet openness — along with governments that are gradually becoming more controlling over how their citizens use the Internet.

Reporters Without Borders will mark the day by releasing its annual “Enemies of the Internet” report at 12:01am (Paris time) on March 12. This year's report focuses on Internet surveillance and describes not only the actions of governments with repressive online surveillance regimes, but also examines the role of corporate actors in this area.

The Egyptian Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression posted the following video [ar], calling out activists and bloggers to blog, tweet, and to spread the word about the day:

We know that other groups are actively participating in the day as well. Please post comments here, or tweet at @Advox and tell the community how you're honoring World Day Against Cyber Censorship!

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