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Internet Freedom Wanes As Governments Target Messaging, Social Apps (npr.org)

Posted by msmash on from the internet-freedom dept.

Roughly two-thirds of the world's internet users live under regimes of government censorship, according to a report from Freedom House, a pro-democracy think tank. The report adds that internet freedom declined worldwide for a sixth consecutive year in 2016 with the governments increasingly crack down on social media services and messaging apps. From a report on NPR: "In a new development, the most routinely targeted tools this year were instant messaging and calling platforms, with restrictions often imposed during times of protests or due to national security concerns," the report says. WhatsApp emerged as the most-blocked app, facing restrictions in 12 of the 65 studied countries. The report's scope covers the experiences of some 88 percent of the world's Internet users. And of all 65 countries reviewed, Internet freedom in 34 -- more than half -- has been on a decline over the past year. Particular downturns were marked in Uganda, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Ecuador and Libya. Facebook users were arrested in 27 countries, more than any other app or platform. And such arrests are spreading. Since June of last year, police in 38 countries have arrested people for what they said on social media -- surpassing even the 21 countries, where people were arrested for what they published on more traditional platforms like blogs and news sites. "Some supposed offenses were quite petty, illustrating both the sensitivity of some regimes and the broad discretion given to police and prosecutors under applicable laws," the report says.

12 of 60 comments (clear)

  1. If only "Freenet" existed by BigBuckHunter · · Score: 2

    If only a completely invisible network existed where people were not only anonymous, but had built in protections so that government's/ISPs couldn't tell if you were connected to the network in the first place..... Oh... Wait... We've had it for a decade.

    1. Re:If only "Freenet" existed by 110010001000 · · Score: 2

      I have a hard time believing that anyone thinks that any network is anonymous. Here is a hint: it ain't. If a network was anonymous it wouldn't be able to route data.

    2. Re:If only "Freenet" existed by ShanghaiBill · · Score: 2

      Freenet is for the technological elite, not for normal people. If it ever becomes popular, it will be easy to squash by making it a crime to have the software installed on your device, or to forward messages. Governments can infiltrate Freenet just as easily as they infiltrated TOR. Most likely, they already have.

    3. Re:If only "Freenet" existed by AHuxley · · Score: 2

      Yes what was once a task for the NSA and GCHQ is now a per case budget for the federal police in most nations.
      Collect it all is now policy on any network.

      --
      Domestic spying is now "Benign Information Gathering"
  2. WhatsApp by slapout · · Score: 2

    I could see WhatsApp using this in advertisements to promote that they are so good at spreading information that repressive governments try to shut them down. They could advertise free speech. Wait, aren't they owned by Facebook? Nevermind.

    --
    Coder's Stone: The programming language quick ref for iPad
  3. Including the US by WillAffleckUW · · Score: 3

    You have no idea how much we unconstitutionally spy on you.

    No, it's worse than you even think you know.

    Welcome to the Stasi of the 21st Century.

    --
    -- Tigger warning: This post may contain tiggers! --
    1. Re:Including the US by 110010001000 · · Score: 2

      What a joke. The corporations have been "spying" on you for decades and you never gave a shit then. Why start now?

    2. Re:Including the US by ShanghaiBill · · Score: 2

      The corporations have been "spying" on you for decades and you never gave a shit then. Why start now?

      When corporations spy on me, it means I am more likely to see advertisements for products I like.

      When governments spy on me, it means men with guns are more likely to kick down my front door at 3am.

      I can control which corporations I interact with. I have far less control over my country of citizenship.

    3. Re:Including the US by fustakrakich · · Score: 2

      I can control which corporations I interact with.

      That's not really true. They share info all the time. And if you look at their investment portfolios they share ownership also, so your money spreads far and wide. And strangers can post your name and picture on facebook or any other site.

      We can vote in or out the government of our choice. We can choose politicians that aren't led around by the nose by a corporate master and stop reelecting the ones that are, if we so choose.

      --
      “He’s not deformed, he’s just drunk!”
    4. Re:Including the US by Gravis+Zero · · Score: 3, Insightful

      You have no idea how much we unconstitutionally spy on you.

      No, it's worse than you even think you know.

      You mean to say they actually do keep a collection of videos solely dedicated to me changing my underwear that is broadcast nationwide in China? I KNEW IT! In your face psychiatrists! ;)

      --
      Anons need not reply. Questions end with a question mark.
  4. Internet freedom wanes as Facebook spreads by phantomfive · · Score: 2

    Facebook is a walled garden, where you get all the freedom you pay for.

    --
    "First they came for the slanderers and i said nothing."
  5. Re:If you're stupid enough... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    . ICE-T still deserves jail time for his cop killer record in the 90s along with the other disgusting thugs who promote a culture of violence in our youth.

    hasn't he been punished enough by being on Law and Order?