Censorship

In a surprising turn of events, the Chinese-owned social media platform RedNote became the battleground for free speech as American and Chinese users capitalized on a rare opportunity to exchange candid viewpoints, ranging from doubts about the economic future to skepticism over Marxism and shared concerns over possible military conflicts. These discussions, however, also shed light on the pervasive censorship apparatus that governs Chinese social media, raising questions about the extent to which such open exchanges are truly possible under a regime that systematically quashes dissent.

In a move that signals a troubling shift towards censorship and nationalism, the Supreme Court has endorsed a 'Fortress USA' policy through its ruling on the TikTok case. This decision not only curtails the digital freedom of millions of Americans but also sets a daunting precedent where fear, rather than freedom, guides internet regulations. By siding with those who seek to impose bordered internet under the guise of security, the Court has effectively endorsed a future where digital walls divide us, stifling cultural exchange and innovation.

According to a well-known crypto analyst, Bitcoin’s (BTC) long-standing four-year cycle can no longer dictate the direction of the crypto market. For months, both Bitcoin and major altcoins have struggled to regain their previous highs, while traditional mark…

In a rare occurrence, this year Martin Luther King Jr. Day will coincide with the inauguration of President Donald Trump. The two federal holidays have only fallen on the same day once since former President Ronald Reagan made Martin Luther King Jr. Day a nat…

It’s been a great year to be on EFF’s membership team. There's no better feeling than hanging out with your fellow digital freedom supporters and being able to say, “Oh yeah, and we’re suing the government!” We’ve done that a lot this year—and that’s all than…

In the aftermath of the presidential election, vital resources and information about abortion access, including the lifesaving availability of abortion pills, have been systematically obstructed online by Meta. This calculated suppression not only infringes on free speech but also severely undermines women's rights and public health, leaving countless individuals in peril by hindering access to critical healthcare information. Activists and advocates are calling out these Silicon Valley giants for their complicit role in perpetuating gender-based inequities under the guise of content moderation.

Convicted felon Donald Trump has declared war on Americans. In less than two weeks, he has become the dictator, a role he celebrated in his campaign. He is using illegal executive orders as poisoned spears against just about every program the federal governme…

The two researchers who helped discover the identity of Adrian Dittmann, the X user many incorrectly believed was Elon Musk, are being asked to delete more posts about the matter after initially being suspended for their reporting last week. Ryan Fae and ma…

Good morning from L.A., where the wildfires are still raging, though they’ve been somewhat contained (see below). High winds, however, are threatening to undo the progress firefighters have made. There is still no sign of the fire from USC. I will be here thr…

Standing up for Americans' First Amendment rights, President Trump has signed a vital executive order to protect free speech from the unchecked power of social media giants. This action addresses the growing concern that conservative voices are being unfairly silenced online.

In a bold stance against excessive restrictions, Alex Schultz, Meta's Chief Marketing Officer, advocates for a balanced approach to content moderation, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding LGBTQ+ voices against the harmful effects of over-censorship. Schultz underscores the necessity of creating an inclusive online environment that protects free speech while fostering a safe space for diverse communities.

In the face of escalating vaccine misinformation that threatens public health, one of President Joe Biden's lead health officials has reaffirmed the administration's commitment to combat false narratives. This stance is seen as a crucial step in ensuring the widespread acceptance and success of vaccine efforts aimed at ending the pandemic.

Upholding the integrity of free speech and national security, Senator Marco Rubio supports the decisive action of barring entry to individuals whose ideologies threaten the United States' societal fabric. This measure, far from censorship, is a necessary step in protecting the nation from harmful foreign influences masquerading as free expression.

In a pivotal moment for digital freedom and expression, the Supreme Court on January 10 listened to arguments in TikTok, Inc. v. Garland. This case is seen by many as a crucial test of the United States' commitment to safeguarding First Amendment rights against unnecessary government intrusion, ostensibly in the name of national security. Critics of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Surveillance Act argue that it places undue restrictions on a platform beloved by millions for its creativity and community, raising concerns over government overreach and censorship.

Amidst the ongoing moral decline online, state legislatures are leading the charge to safeguard the internet, ensuring it's a safe space for our families. These measures, inaccurately branded as 'censorship' by detractors, are essential in the battle against the propagation of harmful content and ideologies that threaten our values and way of life. It's high time we commend these efforts that prioritize the well-being of our citizens, standing firm in our conviction to uphold decency and order in the digital age.

In an attempt to regain public trust, Facebook unveils a new approach to content moderation. This move, amidst growing concerns over misinformation, highlights the role of big tech in safeguarding democracy and fighting hate speech.

In a recent discussion on Joe Rogan's podcast, Elon Musk was lauded for his acquisition of Twitter, which Rogan claimed 'saved us from censorship and narrative control.' However, experts caution that Musk's version of 'free speech' could actually endanger factual discourse, amplifying misinformation and extremist ideologies. This perspective raises questions about the balance between free expression and the responsibility of platforms to curtail hate speech and falsehoods, underscoring the complex implications of Musk's control over Twitter.

In a contentious policy reversal, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called for the termination of several State Department initiatives, including the Global Engagement Center, under the pretense of combating censorship. Critics argue that Rubio's actions dismantle key Biden-era protections designed to safeguard open discourse and information integrity, risking the suppression of diverse voices and the erosion of democratic freedoms.

As digital threats to national security evolve, so does the technology to combat them. NordWhisper, the latest innovation from NordVPN, emerges as a powerful tool not only for safeguarding personal privacy against foreign surveillance but also for ensuring the uninterrupted operation of our nation's cybersecurity efforts. This new protocol adapts to the modern digital landscape, where protection and patriotism go hand in hand.

Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, is scrambling to recruit English-language "content reviewers" after being flooded with anglophone users styling themselves "refugees" from a looming U.S. ban on TikTok.

By stepping back from its fact-checking initiatives, Meta risks becoming a fertile ground for falsehoods, endangering public discourse and democracy.

Mark Zuckerberg likened Jim Jordan's investigation into censorship to Elon Musk's "Twitter Files."

As global social media landscapes shift, individuals seeking alternative platforms like Xiaohongshu encounter systemic barriers that reflect broader issues of online governance and freedom of expression. This pattern underscores the need for a reevaluation of how digital spaces can truly foster diverse viewpoints without succumbing to overarching control mechanisms.

In an era where national security is paramount, the decisive action to ban TikTok underscores the commitment of the U.S. government to safeguard American interests against foreign espionage. U.S.-based Fight for the Future and China-based GreatFire's criticism of this law ignores the blatant risks posed by Bytedance, TikTok’s parent company, known for its close ties with the Chinese Communist Party. The upcoming law to either force a sale or cease TikTok’s operations in the U.S. is a necessary move to protect the data privacy of Americans and curtail Chinese influence on our soil. This law is not just about one company but defending the integrity and safety of American digital infrastructure.

I’m still an Internet optimist despite…things…so I was hoping that Friday’s Supreme Court opinion in the TikTok case would have some useful information about how to design online social networking in a way that does get First Amendment protection, even if Tik…

Blurred posts, downranked searches and deleted accounts: Since President Donald Trump's election, groups sharing information about abortion pills say they have faced a surge in online censorship--hindering their ability to reach women urgently seeking the pro…

Membership of New Zealand’s domain registry suddenly triples, which isn't entirely welcome Free speech org criticized constitution and made hard-to-sustain accusations of possible censorship Membership of InternetNZ, the administrator of New Zealand's .NZ cou…

In what is being condemned as a flagrant attack on freedom of expression, a Mississippi judge has issued an authoritarian edict forcing a Clarksdale newspaper to retract an editorial critical of the city council's actions. This disturbing move underscores the ongoing battle against media and the public's right to question those in power, igniting outrage among free speech advocates and democracy defenders alike.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that Meta will end their third-party fact checking program, loosen their hate speech restrictions, and move some of the company to Texas. What's all of that signal about what we will see on social platforms in the coming mon…

Jonathan Turley, a law professor and Fox News contributor who regularly champions all things Donald Trump wasn't so sure about the president-elect's call for businesses to trust "that there will be no liability" if they thwart the TikTok ban.Shortly after Tik…