Key debates are under way at international level on internet governance, with crucial decisions up for grabs that could determine whether the internet remains a broadly free and open space, with a bottom up approach to its operation – as exemplified in part by the multistakeholder approach – or becomes a top-down controlled space as pushed for by China and Russia, supported to some extent by several other countries.
CATEGORY: Americas
Brazil: Digital access and inclusion
Brazil is the world’s second-biggest user of both Facebook and Twitter, with already 65 million Facebook users and 41.2 million tweeters and counting.
Padraig Reidy: Why use the “offended” line? Because it works
The archdiocese of Rio is offended and reportedly threatening to sue Italian broadcaster RAI for an advert showing the Christ The Redeemer statue wearing the Italy Jersey. Such complaints of “offence” are really demands for “respect” — in the Corleone sense
Brazil: Towards an internet “bill of rights”
When it comes to the internet, Brazil is a conundrum. On the one hand it is among the top requesters to Google and other internet firms for content takedowns. On the other hand, Brazil has passed a progressive law — Marco Civil — putting it on a footing to be one of the world leaders on internet freedom.
Good sports: Which free-speech offending countries should we blow the whistle on?
Against the backdrop of the World Cup in Brazil, we ask how, during global sporting events, should we respond to countries that repress their citizen’s free expression? Should we engage or ignore?
Index report: Can Brazil be the global referee for internet freedom?
World Cup host country Brazil has the potential to become an influential, global leader in digital rights — but that will depend on key decisions taken in the coming months
Brazil: Religious intolerance on the rise
A request to remove 16 videos from YouTube has sparked a broad debate on the limits of freedom of speech and religious expression in Brazil. Simone Marques reports
Perfection as the enemy of the good: Weakening surveillance reform
The US Congress has made it clear by passing the USA Freedom Act that compromise is one way of doing nothing, a form of sanctified inertia. Binoy Kampmark writes
Counterpoint: Your personality is your castle
In this counterpoint to the Index position on the right to be forgotten, Graham Ginsberg argues that individuals should have the right to request search results be amended
FIFA World Cup: Brazilian press exchanges autonomy for sponsorships
Simone Marques reports from Brazil on sports sponsorships and the coverage of the World Cup