The U.S. State Department names and shames eight “Countries of Particular Concern” that severely violate religious freedom rights within their borders. Now an independent watchdog is naming and shaming the State Department, saying its list should be doubled. Brian Pellot reports
Brian Pellot
The worst countries for religious freedom
Freedom of religion or belief requires freedom of expression. Both fundamental rights are protected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, yet nearly half of all countries penalise blasphemy, apostasy or defamation of religion, writes Brian Pellot
Index policy paper: Is the EU heading in the right direction on digital freedom?
While in principle the EU supports freedom of expression, it has often put more emphasis on digital competitiveness and has been slow to prioritise and protect digital freedom, Brian Pellot, digital policy advisor at Index on Censorship writes in this policy paper
Just what is family-friendly Wi-Fi?
Web filtering is not as simple as it sounds, says Brian Pellot
State surveillance ‘like pointing at a pixel with a hotdog’
Against a backdrop of ongoing revelations around the US Prism programme, mass surveillance dominated the discussion at the Index on Censorship event Caught in the web: How free are we online? Brian Pellot reports
Digital freedom, internet governance on agenda at two key meetings
Two key meetings being held in Geneva this week are exploring digital expression and internet governance, Brian Pellot writes.
Joint declaration urges governments to safeguard freedom of expression
Freedom of expression rapporteurs launched a joint declaration encouraging states to safeguard freedom of expression against commercial and political interests during the global transition from analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting. Brian Pellot writes from San Jose.
Journalists’ safety key focus for World Press Freedom Day conference
Journalists from around the world are marking at the 20th annual World Press Freedom Day in Costa Rica, where this year’s UNESCO-sponsored conference is dedicated to safety, Brian Pellot reports.
Google asks DC to explore free speech in digital age
Google’s Big Tent pitched up in Washington, DC, last Friday to challenge and debate the place of free expression in the digital age. Brian Pellot reports.
World Intellectual Property Day: Copyright and creativity in a digital world
Brian Pellot: Copyright and creativity in a digital world
World Intellectual Property Day: Copyright and creativity in a digital world
Brian Pellot: Copyright and creativity in a digital world
Google Transparency Report shows Brazil tops takedown table
Brian Pellot: Google Transparency Report shows Brazil tops takedown requests