Stories about News
Online Trolls Attack Critics of India's Aadhaar State ID System
Critics of the Aadhaar biometric ID system are being criticized by state agencies and trolled by anonymous handles on Twitter.
Lawsuit Over Facebook Post Raises Fears of Online Censorship in Bhutan
The suit against Zam revolves a family that is fighting a property dispute against well-connected business man Ap Sonam Phuntsho, who is also father-in-law to the Chief Justice of Bhutan.
No Country for Gags? Politicians Go After Indian Comedian Over Snapchat Video
Indian right-wing political parties armed with police complaints have threatened comedian Tanmay Bhat for posting a parody video on two prominent Indian celebrities.
Saudi Arabia Sentences Twitter User to 10 Years in Prison and 2,000 Lashes for Apostasy
Saudi Arabia has sentenced a Twitter user to 10 years in prison in addition to 2,000 lashes for publishing 600 tweets "which spread atheism" online.
Egyptian Writer Ahmed Naji Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for his “Sexually Explicit” Novel
A Cairo appeals court sentenced Egyptian novelist and journalist Ahmed Naji for two years in prison for publishing a chapter containing “sexually explicit” scenes from his novel The Guide of Using Life in a magazine. Naji, accused of violating public decency, was acquitted in the first trial in December, which...
“A Good Day for the Internet Everywhere”: India Bans Differential Data Pricing
Indian Telecom Regulatory Authority bans differential data pricing and Facebook's large plans for Free Basics come to an end.
With Messaging Apps Still Banned, Bangladeshis Turn to Tor (and Twitter)
It is not clear whether the government has blocked the Facebook portal or banned the use of Facebook altogether.
Iran Increases Internet Surveillance Ahead of Parliamentary Elections
Iran's Deputy Interior Minister Zolfaghari announces heightened security in anticipation of the upcoming parliamentary elections.
On World Press Freedom Day, Iraqis Mourn Journalist Ammar Al Shahbander, Killed in Car Bomb Explosion
On World Press Freedom Day, Iraqis are mourning the death of journalist Ammar Al Shahbander, killed in a car bomb explosion in Baghdad, carried out by the ISIS.
Ellery Biddle is Global Voices’ New Advocacy Director
Announcing Global Voices' new Advocacy Director!
Blocking Facebook: A Hot New Trend in Southeast Asia?
More and more governments in Southeast Asia are becoming aggressive in their efforts to block Facebook, especially during crisis moments. Netizens should respond by remaining vigilant.
Malaysian PM Sues News Site for Libel
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak is suing Malaysiakini website for libel over reader comments on two articles that paint Najib in a negative light.
Moroccan Rapper Behind Bars While Justin Timberlake Performs A Few Miles Away
Activists have launched a campaign to free local rapper El-Haqed, who was arrested under what they say are trumped up charges, while the state sponsors Justin Timberlake and Alicia Keys.
Security Forces Detain Leader of “SOS Venezuela” Campaign
Rodrigo Diamanti is the president and founder of “Un Mundo Sin Mordaza” (A World Without the Gag), the NGO behind the campaign “SOS Venezuela” and “Your voice is your power.”
#FreeCiaxon: Detained Nigerian Twitter User Released
Yusuf Siyaka Onimisi was detained shortly after he posted a series of photos and eyewitness reports on an escape attempt by several members of the northern Nigeria-based Boko Haram.
Cambodia’s Cyber Bill Undermines Internet Freedom From Every Angle
Cambodian netizens and human rights groups are speaking out against the government’s anti-cybercrime bill, which could lead to harsh penalties for online criticism, stricter Internet regulation, and social media censorship.
#FreeCiaxon: Nigerian Netizen Missing After Reporting on Deadly Clashes
@Ciaxon was allegedly detained after tweeting his eyewitness account of a shootout between Boko Haram terrorism suspects and state security that left 20 dead.
Sultan of Brunei Threatens Critics of Sharia Law
Brunei will implement Sharia laws next month, disappointing many citizens and human rights groups. The sultan warned critics of possible prosecution if they continue to 'insult' the country's leaders
Walkie-Talkie App Zello Blocked in Venezuela
Authorities were monitoring protester communications over the mobile push-to-talk app Zello. Now, they're blocking it.
February 11: Activists Say No to “Cyber Martial Law”, Digital Surveillance in Philippines
On Feburary 11, Filipino activists and netizen groups renewed their opposition to the anti-cybercrime law which they described as a "dangerous measure that would legitimize cyber martial law in the country."