Internet freedom

× Clear Filters
21 Articles
gavel hammer with smartphone on blue background.

Online Safety Regulations Around the World: The State of Play and The Way Forward

A global survey and analysis of online safety laws reveals an emerging set of discernible approaches to platform regulation.
A row of protesters holds a banner.

Imprisoned Writer Serving 9 Years Illustrates Vietnam’s Crackdown on Expression

Pham Doan Trang is in prison in Vietnam for her work as a writer. The U.S. can do more in trade deals to protect Vietnamese free speech.
Protesters wave red National League For Democracy (NLD) flags and raise three-finger salutes on February 09, 2021 in Yangon.

Southeast Asia’s Leaders Should Work Toward a Freer Internet

Southeast Asia’s heads have begun to gather in Cambodia for a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), where they will also be joined by other world leaders…

Countering Iran’s Brand of Digital Authoritarianism

The Iranian government has perfected a sophisticated model of digital authoritarianism to suppress internal dissent.
A man carries a banner during a demonstration at Ojota in Lagos on June 12, 2021, as Nigerian activists called for nationwide protests over what they criticise as bad governance and insecurity, as well as the recent ban of US social media platform Twitter by the government of President Muhammadu Buhari. - Hundreds of protesters gathered on June 12, 2021 in Lagos, a sprawling megapolis of over 20 million people, and police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. (Photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI / AFP) (Photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP via Getty Images)

What Elon Musk Does Not Get about Twitter and Democracy in Africa

Deferring to local laws to determine the bounds of free speech on Twitter - and Musk has suggested doing - would jeopardize hard-won democratic freedoms in Africa.
A world map titled “Freedom on the Net 2021” with countries highlighted in different colors designating “free,” “partly free,” “not free,” and “not assessed.” For an interactive version of the map, visit FreedomHouse.org

Revenge of the State: Freedom House Finds Tech Increasingly Serves Authoritarian Ends

Hendrix unpacks the report's broader themes and dives into country reports on United States, India, and China.
A protestor holds a sign reading, “Digital Right is Human Right” during a demonstration at Ojota in Lagos on June 12, 2021. Other protestors stand in the background.

Nigeria’s Twitter Ban Is a Bellwether Case for Internet Freedom

When Twitter removed his post, President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria banned the site. Other leaders may follow suit.
People wearing face masks visit a Huawei booth during the Mobile World Congress in Shanghai on February 23, 2021.

China’s Dystopian “New IP” Plan Shows Need for Renewed US Commitment to Internet Governance

The US must rally partners to rein in the abuse of multilateral institutions for Huawei’s plans on 6G and beyond, which make concerns over 5G look minor.
Myanmar migrants share their activities on social media before going to a local protest against the military coup in their home country, at a house in the outskirts of Bangkok on February 7, 2021. One person holds a phone recording the others. They wear face masks.

Myanmar is Experiencing a Digital-Age Coup – Tech Companies Must Push Back

Since taking power, Myanmar's military has limited access to social media, and at times cut internet service overall. What can tech companies do to resist?
A man uses a smartphone while speaking with another riding a motorcycle along the side of a street in the Iranian capital Tehran on November 23, 2019.

For Free Expression in Iran, the U.S. Can Act to Keep the Internet On

The US should allow American companies to provide technology services and platforms to the Iranian people without fear of violating sanctions.
A mobile browser unable to connect to Facebook.

Contesting the Legality of Internet Shutdowns

As government communications shutdowns become more frequent, legal challenges citing international human rights law and domestic constitutional protections are also on the rise.…
People walk past a campaign billboard reading "April 21st. Decisive choice!" and bearing the portraits of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin, on April 15, 2019, in the center of the western Ukrainian city of Lviv.

To Battle Russian Disinformation, Ukraine Mimics … Russia

In the five years since the conflict between Ukraine and Russia began, several Ukrainian initiatives have been introduced to reduce the influence of Russian disinformation and…
1-12 of 21 items

DON'T MISS A THING. Stay up to date with Just Security curated newsletters: