20 Jul 2010 | Index Index, minipost, News and features
Apple has removed an iPhone application based on the infamous ChatRoulette website from their store after concerns over nudity. iChatr allowed users to video chat anonymously with other randomly-selected people. ChatRoulette, a website with similar functionality, came in for criticism after it emerged that a substantial number of users were exposing themselves onscreen or engaging in other questionable behaviour. Apple has previously maintained a strict line on iPhone apps which allow access to nudity or adult content.
19 Jul 2010 | Index Index, minipost, News and features
Earlier today British author Alan Shadrake was arrested in Singapore for alleged criminal defamation and contempt of court .The state run Media Development Authority filed a complaint against Shadrake’s book, which examines the death penalty in Singapore, accusing it of questioning the impartiality of the judiciary. Last year Singapore ejected British journalist Ben Bland and charged the Wall Street Journal with contempt of court . Last week the authorities banned a film containing a speech made by an ex political prisoner.
16 Jul 2010 | Digital Freedom, Index Index, minipost
The Chinese authorities have ordered 122 websites to remove all traces of pornography or lewd content from their sites or face censorship and prosecution. The content prohibited includes pornographic fiction available for online reading or download. Chinese censorship has been steadily growing and recently hit the headlines over clashes with internet giant Google.
16 Jul 2010 | Index Index, minipost
The Scottish local authority, Dumfries and Galloway Council, has blocked access to the Scottish News of the World website. The council has setup a filter which prevents employees accessing the website. Elaine Murray, a member of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, claims that council chiefs are attempting to stop employees using the website as a source to substantiate smear campaigns against political opponents. Critics claim that the decision to block the website was due to the newspaper’s investigation into the council scandal. A spokesman for the council involved stated that access to the website is restricted due to bandwith issues.
