censorship

Tunisia Arrests Protesting Rappers and Bloggers

Adrian Chen · 01/07/11 11:57AM

Demonstrations protesting terrible economic conditions are now sweeping Tunisia, sparked by a 26-year-old's dramatic self-immolation last month. In addition to the normal police beatdowns, the Tunisian government is frenetically censoring the Internet, arresting bloggers and a popular dissident rapper.

Your Online Impersonation Is Illegal in California

Ryan Tate · 01/04/11 08:49PM

A reminder to people writing fake blogs and fake social networking profiles: Online impersonation became punishable by up to one year in jail and $1,000 in fines in California this year — and it's not clear satire is exempted.

British Minister Determined To Block Porn

Ryan Tate · 12/21/10 08:44PM

By all accounts, people keep telling Ed Vaizey his idea is insane and won't work. But the British communications minister is determined to try and force internet subscribers to proactively request online porn; otherwise it would be blocked by default.

Apple Bans Wikileaks App from iPhones

Ryan Tate · 12/21/10 02:20PM

Apple banned the Wikileaks iPhone app, determining it could hurt people, or is illegal, or both. The company didn't actually specify why 73 million iPhone owners are forbidden from using the app, but did coyly hint at the reason.

Wikileaks: Banned In Antarctica

Adrian Chen · 12/17/10 12:23AM

Our government's idiotic war on Wikileaks extends even to America's tiny presence in Antarctica. A memo sent to all Americans in Antarctica effectively censors Wikileaks material from the entire continent. Can't tip off the penguins about our secret plans!

Apple Embroiled in Huge Gay Rights Fight

Ryan Tate · 12/15/10 02:16PM

Apple is caught in the crossfire between opponents and supporters of an iPhone game that can only be "won" by signaling opposition to gay and abortion rights. Apple approved the app, then pulled it. Now comes the furious lobbying.

4chan Censors Itself

Adrian Chen · 11/19/10 12:34AM

The notorious message board 4chan's young founder has fashioned himself as a champion of extreme free speech on the Internet. But blatant censorship is occurring on 4chan right now, after its users attacked a target too close to home.