Asia

Philippines : Supreme Court to rule on controversial Cybercrime Prevention Act
Philippines : Supreme Court to rule on controversial Cybercrime Prevention Act 08 October 2012 FD

On October 9, the Supreme Court of the Philippines will decide on the constitutionality of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. This cyberlaw has been contested from day one, after internet activists had pointed to truly problematic provisions incompatible with internet rights.

Focus on internet and human rights in Pakistan: Interview with Bytes for All
Focus on internet and human rights in Pakistan: Interview with Bytes for All 03 October 2012 Alan Finlay

The media in Pakistan has been tardy to address threats to internet freedom – especially Urdu media. There is little to no coverage of internet rights violations and censorship the electronic media, Bytes for All told APCNews about in an interview for the forthcoming Global Information Society Watch report.

It’s OurTube: Religion-based censorship will only fuel hate speech
It’s OurTube: Religion-based censorship will only fuel hate speech 19 September 2012 Bytes for All Pakistan

Bytes for All, Pakistan, strongly condemns hate speech on the Internet, however banning channels of communication, limiting access to information platforms, and steps to curtail free expression only serve to pave the way for politics-based control systems that curb the voices of individuals.

Pakistan: Bloggers and journalists to duck digital threats
Pakistan: Bloggers and journalists to duck digital threats 12 September 2012 FD

“Pakistan is among the world’s most dangerous places for journalists,” reads a report recently produced and published by Bytes For All, Pakistan. Based on a research survey commissioned by Internews, the report takes a hard look at the awareness Pakistani journalists and bloggers have of their own digital security.

Victory for freedom of expression in South Korea
Victory for freedom of expression in South Korea 07 September 2012 AL

On the 23rd of August 2012, South Korean digital rights organisation Jinbonet won a long struggle. For the last five years, the APC member group fought an internet real name system regulation, ruled unconstitutional by the country’s highest court.

End violence: Women's rights and safety online
End violence: Women's rights and safety online 20 August 2012

Technology-related violence against women is increasing at an alarming rate – yet it expresses itself differently around the world. This initiative is helping women create safe and secure environments online in seven different countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America.

New guide: Digital Security and Journalists: A Snapshot of Awareness and Practice in Pakistan
New guide: Digital Security and Journalists: A Snapshot of Awareness and Practice in Pakistan 17 August 2012

B4A Pakistan has recently published new research on “Digital Security and Journalists: A Snapshot of Awareness and Practice in Pakistan”, which aims to help journalists and bloggers – especially women – better understand the dangers online, and provides them with tools to communicate online in a secure way.

Azerbaijan: Q&A on Human Rights and the Internet
Azerbaijan: Q&A on Human Rights and the Internet 13 August 2012 FD

APCNews has interviewed Rebecca Vincent, a human rights consultant who is currently working with ARTICLE 19 to coordinate the International Partnership Group for Azerbaijan, a coalition of international organisations working to promote and protect freedom of expression in Azerbaijan. Here’s her take on the human rights situation on Azerbaijan’s net.

Locking up cyberspace for minorities in Pakistan
Locking up cyberspace for minorities in Pakistan 06 July 2012

Since 2007, freedom of expression on the internet has been compromised in Pakistan. The authorities started with blocking blasphemous content, went on to national security issues, then religious morality, and they are now targeting online content pertaining to minorities.

Open Letter: Google in Pakistan - Local and global civil society raises eyebrows
Open Letter: Google in Pakistan - Local and global civil society raises eyebrows 29 June 2012

The Association for Progressive Communications and its member group in Pakistan, Bytes For All, is deeply concerned about Google’s latest business trip to Pakistan. Here are a few questions on Google’s planned policy on data retention and collection.

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