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 from February, 2011
Arab World: The Great Social Media Debate
For months it seems, a debate has been raging over the role of social media in demonstrations. More recently, that debate has focused on Tunisia and Egypt, where sites like Facebook and Twitter were prominent in the organizing of protests. Here's one element of that debate, from Twitter.
Morocco: Portraits of a Protest
Few captured the February 20, 2011 protests in Morocco as beautifully as Omar El Hyani, whose photos from Rabat were linked to by The Nation and posted on the blog Mamfakinch. Here we pick a selection of the best images.
Morocco: Explaining the Protests
Yesterday marked what many called Morocco's “Day of Dignity," with protests across the country. Bloggers explain why some Moroccans have taken to the streets.
Libya: Amidst Spotty Internet, Some Send Missives
Just twelve hours after a disappointing speech from Muammar Gaddafi's son, Libyans are still going strong, and continue to protest. With both phone service and the Internet in flux, many are sending out missives when they can.
Morocco: In Marrakech, Destruction Amidst Peaceful Protest
Across Morocco, peaceful protests have emerged today, with thousands taking to the streets from Tangier to Fes. In the southern city of Marrakech, however, reports that the protests have turned into chaos emerged this afternoon, with claims of vandalism and attempts by protesters to storm police headquarters.
Morocco: Across the Nation, Demonstration
In the broader context of the Arab world, Morocco has one particularly unique feature: Whereas other countries in the region often have two cities of importance, Morocco has six...at least. Jillian C. York reports on online activity from Morocco's most important hubs.
Morocco: “I am Moroccan, and I Will Take Part”
February 20 has been named the day of a "Movement for Dignity" in Morocco. Though Moroccans are torn on the subject of the protests, some have taken to YouTube to express their desires for their country.
Egypt: Cleaning Tahrir
For the past few weeks, as Egyptians "cleaned" their country of a dictatorship, Tahrir Square was full of people, full of joy, and as a result, full of things to clean up. Today, Egyptians share the news that the square is fully cleaned, and better than when they found it.
Egypt: Our Hero, Wael Ghonim
For days, Egyptians have searched far and wide for Google executive Wael Ghonim, who went missing on January 27. Today, he was released from state custody, and spoke about his plight.
Egypt: Dreaming of a Better Tomorrow
As demonstrations in Egypt enter their twelfth day, some are becoming discouraged, but still others have kept high hopes for a positive outcome. In this post, we share Egyptian dreams.
Bahrain: Valentine's Day or a Day of Anger?
In Bahrain, both online and off, residents have expressed solidarity with Egyptians, even holding a protest at the Egyptian embassy on February 4. Though the rally was largely a solidarity action, for Bahrain's own opposition, the protest--which was sanctioned with a permit by the government--was an opportunity to vent their own concerns.
Egypt: Tahrir Square Calm Once Again
After two days of violence from pro-Mubarak forces, February 4 brought a new sense of calm to Tahrir Square. Though the day did not end in a Mubarak departure, protesters were rejuvenated by the new atmosphere.
Egypt: Back Online, a Global Voices Author Shares His Story
With the Internet blackout in place, GV Author Tarek Amr decided--like many Egyptians--to venture into the streets. Here, we share his story.
Egypt: A Voice in the Blackout, Thanks to Google and Twitter
This evening, a jointly-made product by Google and Twitter has allowed Egyptians to tweet...using their voices. In light of the Internet blackout, the service allows Egyptians to call an international number from any phone and leave a message for the world.
