Asia

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Shakespeare wrote most of his plays during the bubonic plague, and now women and queer artists are using the internet and social media to open up spaces for marginalised communities and bodies.  

This research from the DEF tries to understand the chronology of events that started rumours, fake news and misinformation about COVID-19 that spread across India. 

Body & Data asked their followers on social media to answer some questions about misinformation circulating in Nepal during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of the digital storytelling workshops held with residents of Kampung Kasepuhan Ciptagelar, Indonesia, Common Room also facilitated music and songwriting workshops with the local children. to improve their ability to express themselves through music in a simple way.

The research report "Bottom-up Connectivity Strategies: Community-led small-scale telecommunication infrastructure networks in the global South" explores the benefits of, and challenges facing, projects of this kind. This week we look at the recommendations that emerged from the research.

Media Matters for Democracy is deeply concerned about reports of journalists in Pakistan forced to cover the COVID-19 public health crisis without adequate protective measures and safety precautions.

The last time a network was forced to stop broadcasting was during martial law under the dictator Ferdinand Marcos. At a time when credible sources of news and information are needed more than ever, the shutdown is seen as a blatant attack on freedom of the press and freedom of expression.

See how videojournalists in the Philippines are responding to the pandemic in this video from EngageMedia.