Free expression in the news - Index on Censorship

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Free expression in the news

#DONTSPYONME Tell Europe’s leaders to stop mass surveillance #dontspyonme Index on Censorship launches a petition calling on European Union Heads of Government to stop the US, UK and other governments from carrying out mass surveillance. We want to use public pressure to ensure Europe’s leaders put on the record their opposition to mass surveillance. They […]

By Index on Censorship

07 Aug 13

In the News

#DONTSPYONME
Tell Europe’s leaders to stop mass surveillance #dontspyonme
Index on Censorship launches a petition calling on European Union Heads of Government to stop the US, UK and other governments from carrying out mass surveillance. We want to use public pressure to ensure Europe’s leaders put on the record their opposition to mass surveillance. They must place this issue firmly on the agenda for the next European Council Summit in October so action can be taken to stop this attack on the basic human right of free speech and privacy.
(Index on Censorship)

GLOBAL
Google revamps search to feature in-depth articles
Want to know more about censorship, love, or legos? The Web giant reworks its search feature to display more comprehensive articles, papers, and blog posts alongside its quick answer listings.
(CNET)

Bitcoin is crucial for the future of free speech, say experts
When US servicemen Bradley Manning was found guilty on 20 counts in connection with leaking classified military information, experts mused that bitcoin was instrumental in the continuing operation of WikiLeaks, the whistleblowing website that he helped.
(Coin Desk)

From the U.K. to Vietnam, Internet censorship on the rise globally
In the U.K., a proposed filter would automatically block pornography and, according to Internet rights groups, other unwanted content. In Jordan, newsWeb sites can’t operate without a special license from the government.
(Washington Post)

RUSSIA
Welcome to my world: An open letter to Edward Snowden
Roman Dobrokhotov has some words of wisdom for Russia’s newest resident, Edward Snowden. Translated by John Crowfoot.
(Index on Censorship)

Russia opens probe into flag desecration by US band
Russia’s interior ministry on Monday launched a criminal probe into flag desecration after a US rock musician stuffed a Russian flag down his trousers at a concert.
(Dawn)

SOUTH AFRICA
Free speech for all, save the chief justice?
CHIEF Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng may face an impeachment hearing before the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) for comments he made last month at the annual general meeting of Advocates for Transformation.
(Business Day Live)

TANZANIA
Report: Anti-media attacks in Tanzania on rise, repressive laws sowing fear, self-censorship
A media watchdog says that a rise in anti-press attacks and repressive laws is sowing fear and self-censorship among journalists in Tanzania.
(Washington Post)

TURKEY
Former head of Turkish army is one of 17 jailed for life over ‘Deep State’ coup plot
Ringleaders of ‘deep state’ plot are sentenced as epic trial concludes with 300 verdicts
(The Independent)

UNITED KINGDOM
Guardian rejects press watchdog as ‘own goal’ threatening independence
New regulator will lack support of press intrusion victims and allow dominance by biggest papers, says CEO Andrew Miller
(The Guardian)

Dear Mr. Cameron: U.K.’s Love for Porn and Censorship Don’t Mix
There’s an insatiable demand for Internet porn in the U.K. Whether it be straight, gay, tranny or BDSM, modern Brits have put their arms around the idea of devouring sexually explicit material in the privacy of their own homes.
(XBIZ)

UNITED STATES
Bringing global human rights into the surveillance debate
Guest Post: Surveillance is no longer the Cold War mentality of “us” and “them”
(Index on Censorship)

The Judd Apatow Test of Free Speech
The issue was whether a school district in Pennsylvania violated the rights of two middle-school girls who were suspended for wearing “I ♥ boobies!” bracelets.
(Wall Street Journal)

‘Virgin Mary Should’ve Aborted’: Facebook Page Is Not Anti-Christian Hate Speech, Says Social Network
Another rabble-rousing community page is testing the limits of Facebook’s policies regarding offensive content, only this time it’s the devoutly religious who say they are the target of hate speech.
(International Business Times)

‘CENSORSHIP’: ANTI-ABORTION ACTIVISTS PREPARE TO BATTLE THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA
Pro-life groups have had enough of what they call a “media blackout” when it comes to the abortion issue. So, they’re coming together to hold a “March on the Media” this Thursday. The protest rally is being organized by Lila Rose, president of Live Action, an anti-abortion group. The event’s targets are mainstream media outlets that some critics, including Rose, believe have been too silent about issues pertaining to life and the protection of the unborn.
(The Blaze)

Sen. Rockefeller Continues His Quest To Regulate Free Speech With His ‘Violent Content Research Act’
Sen. Jay Rockefeller’s pet project — fighting violent media — just got a shot in the arm from the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee (because those three seem like perfect complements…), which “advanced” his legislation directing the National Academy of Sciences to study the effects of violent media on children.
(Tech Dirt)

It’s Dangerous For Free Speech When We Confuse Leakers With Spies
We’ve tried to make similar points a few times in the past about our concern with the Obama administration going after whistleblowers and the journalists who publish their leaks by using the Espionage Act more than all other Presidents in history, combined (more than twice as much, actually).
(Tech Dirt)

VIETNAM
US Concerned About Vietnam Censorship Law
The United States is criticizing a new decree in Vietnam that would outlaw sharing news stories online.
(VOA)