Scrapbook 3 - CST 373

https://globalvoices.org/2017/12/29/from-internet-blackouts-to-violent-attacks-south-asia-saw-new-threats-to-free-expression-online-in-2017/

From Internet Blackouts to Violent Attacks, South Asia Saw New Threats to Free Expression Online in 2017

Summary:
This article covers ways in which South Asian regimes have been cracking down on internet usage when it threatens their positions From such things as censoring media, to threatening journalists and bloggers, these states have been attacking freedom of expression for many individuals for going against the grain. India and Pakistan have been known to even cause full internet blackouts as well as partial ones, where mobile service is disconnected, in order to cut off people from communicating in troubled regions. This stops any ability for would-be demonstrators to communicate, either amongst themselves for organizational purposes or to the outside world to broadcast their conditions. While there is some hope in the future as civil rights groups combat these actions, it is possible to see more of these kinds of actions in the coming years.
The reason this article was chosen:
This article was chosen as this week we read and discussed the benefits of anonymity on the internet in making a positive difference in the world. Stating controversial statements may cause backlash and repercussions against one if those beliefs were aired publicly, by utilizing the internet’s capacity for anonymity one can safely and freely express their unpopular, but sometimes necessary, statements. When the government seems unable to curtail the use of anonymous profiles for messaging it seems that they will instead turn to outright blackouts of internet usage in order to cut off any dissent.
Credibility of sources:
Global Voices is a reporting site that attempts to translate and distribute stories from around the globe that may otherwise be repressed or not widely disseminated. They aim to make a positive impact by connecting and empowering people around the globe.
Ethical implications:
The censorship and threats used against the peoples of South Asia violates their ability to express their own, sometimes dissenting, opinions. Though there are some ways to work around these violations of the individual's right to freedom of expression, such as using VPNs to avoid tracking, actions such as government enforced internet blackouts are difficult, if not impossible, to circumvent.