· March, 2011

Stories about News from March, 2011

Understanding Iran's Cyberpolitical Context

  31 March 2011

Since I last posted, events on the ground and online in Iran have continued to escalate. This is broadly in line with my belief that the Iranian government has decided to engage in a long-term project to silence dissent online, using both state and non-state actors, as well as to...

Liberal Jewish Blogger Under Attack

  28 March 2011

Richard Silverstein, a liberal Jewish blogger, has come under attack from right wing nationalists and religious hard liners. In his blog Tikun Olam, Silverstein has posted a statement sent to his lawyer from David Yerushalmi-who accusing him of libel. “I am reluctantly forced to revisit the statements your client, Richard...

Microsoft Compromises Users’ Privacy: No HTTPS in Arab Countries, Iran

  25 March 2011

With the ongoing protestes and violent crackdown from governments in the Middle East, compromising online security could have dire repercussions on the wellbeing of internet users in the region. Email security is a priority and HTTPS should be enabled by default. Gmail does that, while Microsoft allows users to choose to activate...

What is in name? A Lot Says Facebook

  9 March 2011

Facebook is now in the middle of scandal that has exposed the flimsiness of its no pseudonym policy. Andrea Petrou at Techeye.net says, “The complaint against the company comes from a well-known Chinese commentator – Michael Anti – who has accused it of insulting him by closing his account. He hasn't been reported...

Is Urging Suicide Free Speech?

  2 March 2011

A developing case in Minnesota raises serious questions on what  free speech. According to Emily Gurnon at Pioneer Press, “Former nurse William Melchert-Dinkel, 48, of Faribault has been charged with two felony counts of encouraging, advising or assisting another in committing suicide. After oral arguments Thursday morning, Rice County District...