Freedom of expression is generally protected in France, although is limited by strict defamation and privacy laws. Several laws have passed since 1972 that have further restricted this fundamental right.
Despite having a generally positive free expression record, Canada has, in recent years, taken some regressive steps.
While the revelations around mass surveillance by the US and some European governments were reported by Bulgaria’s media, the country’s focus in recent months has been the fallout from the country’s elections. Georgi Kantchev reports
The situation for freedom of expression in Italy is curtailed by a lack of media plurality, restrictive media legislation and a digital sphere restricted by a strict privacy law.
A theatre playwright and a former worker from the Minsk Automobile Plant were found guilty of using offensive language online in Belarus. Andrei Aliaksandrau writes
The New Delhi High Court has given Facebook and Google one month to submit suggestions on how minors can be protected online in India. Mahima Kaul reports
In a country in the midst of political turmoil, the news of mass surveillance generated little interest from Czechs. Lucie Kavanova writes
As the G20 nations prepare to meet in St Petersburg, Russia in early September, Index on Censorship is exploring the nations’ records on free expression. Today: Christi van der Westhuizen reports on South Africa
Surveillance strikes at the heart of global digital communications and severely threatens human rights in the digital age. Leslie Harris, president and CEO of the Center for Democracy & Technology writes
Roman Dobrokhotov has some words of wisdom for Russia’s newest resident, Edward Snowden. Translated by John Crowfoot.
Being wary of quick fixes for online abuse is not the same as being dismissive of misogyny, says Padraig Reidy
Online misogny is a complex problem with no single solution, says Padraig Reidy
