Jillian C. York

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.

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Latest posts by Jillian C. York

Palestine: Social Media in Conflict, Four Years On

  18 November 2012

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

  15 August 2012

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.

Arab World: Mourning Anthony Shadid

  17 February 2012

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

  12 February 2012

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

  18 January 2012

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.