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Asia Pacific Technology and infrastructure

Southeast Asia’s wave of internet regulation comes to Indonesia

Indonesia’s new internet regulation requires platforms to remove ‘prohibited’ content—defined as anything violating Indonesian law, disturbing public order, or inciting unrest—within twenty-four hours. The government insists the law is needed to combat disinformation and avoid the destabilizing effects of ‘fake news’. But critics worry it may be a ploy to silence online dissent. The law aligns Indonesia with Southeast Asia’s trend of increased internet regulation. How online platforms react will determine regional internet developments.

Eurasia Technology and infrastructure

VPN providers warned in Russia

Russia has warned VPN providers that do not adhere to domestic censorship laws that they may face being banned. This is in-line with recent plans to create a ‘Sovereign Internet’. These laws include prohibiting access to sites on the country’s national block-list.

Eurasia Technology and infrastructure

The final iron curtain for Russia’s internet?

Russian legislators sparked hot debate this month voting by an overwhelming majority to permit a trial shutdown of Russia’s segment of the internet (runet).

Asia Pacific Technology and infrastructure

China and 5G: the future of technology

The race for 5G presents a new theatre for geopolitical competition, with China raising the stakes for rapid deployment of its 5G network and the US pushing back to maintain the control over its network and applications. China has situated 5G as a priority, describing it as a “key technology” under its 13th Five-Year Plan.

Europe Technology and infrastructure

Russian authorities speeding up control over Runet

The latest investigation by the Russian Anti-Corruption Foundation, led by opposition activist Alexei Navalny, found that they have been censored from the Russian Internet with surprising speed. It took two days for the national IT regulatory body to begin issuing warnings to media and providers.

Asia Pacific Economics

The Great Firewall takes on VPNs

China’s Security Council seems bent on expanding internet restrictions nationwide. Following new legislation in June this year, the crackdown has been swift: even major firms such as Apple and Whatsapp are on the chopping block. The recent banning of VPN services has huge implications for multinationals and the foreign employees that they hire.

Asia Pacific Economics

Cambodia’s start-up culture blooms, despite hurdles

Cambodia’s acquisition of undersea communication capabilities comes at a fruitful time, as the country sees the creation of an emerging e-commerce and technology ecosystem.

Sub-Saharan Africa Technology and infrastructure Under The Radar

Under the Radar: Cameroon’s crackdown is creating internet refugees

Cameroon’s internet blackout is stoking regional unrest, threatening trade and creating internet refugees as a humanitarian crisis looms in the background.

Asia Pacific Politics

Why China banned Winnie the Pooh and why it matters

China is increasing its censorship efforts both domestically, and internationally by targeting overseas critics and invoking internet sovereignty. Oh bother As Xi Jinping continues consolidating power, China’s media is facing

Latin America Politics

Cuba – A blast from the past for tourists

Walking around Cuban cities gives a sense what street scenes from the 1950’s may have been like with ubiquitous vintage cars, a generally low level of motorization,  few neon signs