I am a writer, activist, researcher, and blogger. I serve as Director of International Freedom of Expression at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and write for several platforms, including Al Jazeera English and The Guardian.
Latest posts by Jillian C. York
How You Can Help Syrian (and Other) Refugees
The refugee crisis in Europe has many asking how they can direct their funds and attention to Syrian and other refugees.
The Unbearable Heaviness of American Student Debt
In the "land of opportunity" a university education is beyond the reach of many of its citizens.
Global Voices, the Travel Guide for Anti-Tourists
In a sphere where planets can be lonely and guides rough, Global Voices offers intrepid travellers a true insider's view on the world.
Your Mobile Privacy is Under Threat Because of US and UK Spies
"The NSA and GCHQ covertly stole millions of encryption keys used to protect your mobile phone communications."
Tragedy in Chapel Hill: ‘If the Murderer Were Muslim the Story Would Have Been Different’
"We may not know all the details about the white shooter and Muslim victims, but we know how the media would cover it if roles were reversed."
British Islamist Anjem Choudary Doesn't Represent All Muslims (Someone Tell USA Today)
The idea of Choudary speaking for all Muslims is laughable, writes Jillian York.
Humans of New York Series Inspires Intimate Portraits of Life in Iraq and Around the World
Following the lead of the popular "Humans of New York" photo project, "Humans of..." sites have proliferated across the globe. Jillian C. York explores this "visual take on travel writing."
The World Stands With Palestine: Protests On Every Continent
Protests have sprung up in numerous cities around the world to support Palestine and call for an end to the ongoing attacks. Here are photographs from some.
Is There Anything More Public Than Twitter?
What are the ethics of publishing a tweet without permission? A Buzzfeed report on sexual assaults stirs trouble in the twitterverse.
Al Jazeera: Amplifying (Global Voices) Women's Voices
Global Voices women rose to the challenge when Al Jazeera's Opinion editor announced he wished to flip the gender ratio that typically rules in the media, publishing 80/20 in favor of women throughout the month of March.
Palestine: Social Media in Conflict, Four Years On
Back in 2008, during Israel's attack on Gaza that left more than 1,400 (more than 700 of whom were civilians) dead, individuals the world over took to social media to comment on the attacks and the politics behind them. Four years later, the world — and the Internet — has changed. Now, as Israel once again unleashes a barrage of air strikes against Gaza's population, social media has become a secondary battlefield.
#DearEgyptAir, Better Service Please
Over the past few years it has become apparent that, if one has a loud enough voice and a big enough audience—not to mention a good sense of humor—social media can serve as a great platform for change. On Wednesday, Egyptians took to Twitter to complain—and joke—about national airline Egypt Air.
World: Is a Declaration of Internet Freedom What the Internet Needs?
More than a week after rights groups unleashed the Declaration of Internet Freedom, the blogosphere continues to weigh in on the document.
Global: The World Talks Back to Nick Kristof
New York Times journalist Nick Kristof has found himself in a bit of hot water with the global blogosphere after two recent articles on Iran and Africa.
Syria: “The Day We Knew What It Meant to Be Syrian”
Today marks the first anniversary of the uprising in Syria. On Twitter, Syrians and their allies utilized the #Syria and #March15 hashtags to commemorate the day, remember the country's martyrs, and reflect on the year behind them.
Arab World: Mourning Anthony Shadid
On February 17, the tragic news that New York Times Middle East Correspondent Anthony Shadid had passed away in Syria at the age of 43, reportedly as a result of a severe asthma attack triggered by an allergy to horses, saddened news readers the world over.
Saudi Arabia: Fate of Journalist Hamza Kashgari Hangs in the Balance
Saudi journalist Hamza Kashgari set off a social media firestorm last week when he tweeted an imaginary conversation with the Prophet Mohammed, causing the young man to flee the country in the face of threats. Now, social media users debate Kashgari's fate as he faces extradition from Malaysia.
Global Online Community Protests U.S. Anti-Piracy Bills
Today, January 18, is an important day for the Internet. Corporate websites, from Google to Twitpic, along with civil society groups and individuals, have all joined together in a common cause: to protest two American bills that could have grave effects for global online free expression.
MENA: 2011, a Year of Struggle and Triumphs for Bloggers
With all of the social media successes throughout the Middle East and North Africa in 2011, it would be all too easy to overlook the struggles faced by bloggers and netizens throughout the region. But with 126 netizens imprisoned, it would be a travesty.
Syria: Razan Ghazzawi Charged, Bloggers Continue Campaign
Eight days after her arrest, Razan Ghazzawi has been charged, according to an article from the Lebanese Daily Star. Bloggers continue their campaign to free her.
Palestine: Mourning Mustafa Tamimi
For more than two years, protests have taken place in the Palestinian village of Nabi Saleh. This past Friday, activists experienced tragedy when demonstrator Mustafa Tamimi, 28, was killed by Israeli forces.
