Social Media Restrictions and 2-Day Internet Shutdown Rattle Afghanistan
A telecommunications blackout and restrictions on social media have further isolated Afghans who rely on the internet as a lifeline.
censorship
China Punishes ‘Excessively Pessimistic’ Social Media Users
As China struggles with economic discontent, internet censors are silencing those who voice doubts about work or marriage, or simply sigh too loudly online.
Athens Democracy Forum: ‘The Mother of All Battles?’ Information Integrity
The Nobel Prize winner Maria Ressa told attendees at the Athens Democracy Forum that holding fast to “truth” was critical in restoring democracy.
Indian Comedian Kunal Kamra Forced Offstage Amid Political Censorship
The Indian comedian Kunal Kamra was forced offstage after a political joke led to a mob attack. Unlike Jimmy Kimmel, he is unlikely to return anytime soon.
Jane Fonda relaunches free speech group started by her father during the McCarthy era
In wake of the Trump administration’s censorship threats, the actor re-established the Committee for the First Amendment with A-list supportJane Fonda has relaunched the Committee for the First Amendment, the McCarthy-era initiative started by her fath…
Afghan Internet Back After 2-Day Blackout Tied to Taliban
No reason was immediately given for why service resumed after a blackout rare in scope, even for a government that has drastically curtailed individual freedoms.
Afghanistan Has Nationwide Internet Blackout, Monitors Say
The shutdown came two weeks after the ruling Taliban cut off the internet in half a dozen provinces, saying they wanted to prevent “immoral acts.”
Horror film digitally altered in China to make gay couple straight
Viewers outraged after same-sex wedding scene changed in Together, starring Dave Franco and Alison BrieAn Australian horror film featuring a scene with a same-sex wedding was reportedly digitally altered for release in mainland China, transforming the …
A Curator Flees Bangkok After China Deems His Art Show Too Provocative
A museum’s directors said Chinese and Thai officials pressured them to remove the names of artists whose works criticized China. The curator flew to London, fearing arrest.
Details About Chinese Surveillance and Propaganda Companies
Details from leaked documents:
While people often look at China’s Great Firewall as a single, all-powerful government system unique to China, the actual process of developing and maintaining it works the same way as surveillance technology in the West. Geedge collaborates with academic institutions on research and development, adapts its business strategy to fit different clients’ needs, and even repurposes leftover infrastructure from its competitors.
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The parallels with the West are hard to miss. A number of American surveillance and propaganda firms also started as academic projects before they were spun out into startups and grew by chasing government contracts. The difference is that in China, these companies operate with far less transparency. Their work comes to light only when a trove of documents slips onto the internet…