Category: Censorship

RuPaul Is Sending a Rainbow Bus to Give Away Books Targeted by Bans

The star, whose show “RuPaul’s Drag Race” has an international following, is one of the founders of a new online bookstore promoting underrepresented authors. The giveaways are part of its outreach.
China Has Thousands of Navalnys, Hidden From the Public

China has no dissident with the kind of public profile that Aleksei A. Navalny had. The government has many critics, but they all disappear from view.
Supreme Court Seems Open to Free Speech Challenges to Social Media Laws

The tech industry argues that laws in Florida and Texas, prompted by conservative complaints about censorship, violate the First Amendment. The court’s decision could fundamentally alter the nature of speech on the internet.
Life Imitates Art as a ‘Master and Margarita’ Movie Stirs Russia

An American director’s adaptation of the beloved novel is resonating with moviegoers, who may recognize some similarities in its satire of authoritarian rule.
China’s Investors Are Losing Faith in Its Markets and Economy

As their losses pile up, Chinese investors are losing confidence not only in the stock market but in the government’s ability to turn the economy around.
How China Censors Critics of the Economy

As Beijing struggles with a slumping stock market and a collapsing real estate sector, commentary and even financial analysis it deems negative are blocked.
Taiwan’s Democracy Draws Envy and Tears for Visiting Chinese

People with personal ties to China, on a tour to see Taiwan’s election up close, learned of the island’s path to democracy — messy, violent and, ultimately, inspiring.
Netflix Film’s Removal Shows Power of India’s Hindu Right Wing

The movie “Annapoorani” was about a female chef overcoming caste prejudice. Hindu activists said it hurt their feelings.
Substack Says It Will Not Ban Nazis or Extremist Speech

Responding to criticism of its hands-off approach to content moderation, the company said it would not ban Nazi symbols or extremist rhetoric so long as newsletter writers do not incite violence.
Wang Gang’s Egg Fried Rice Video and Free Speech in China

A popular chef’s video was attacked as a jab at Mao Zedong’s dead son. But what if a recipe for egg fried rice was just a recipe for egg fried rice?
State Dept.’s Fight Against Disinformation Comes Under Attack

The Global Engagement Center has become the focus of Republican-led criticism that the U.S. government coerces social media platforms into removing offensive content.
‘I Have No Future’: China’s Rebel Influencer Is Still Paying a Price

Li Ying used social media to help tell the world about last year’s protests. Now in exile, he has been threatened and lost his livelihood for his defiance.