Internet freedom continues to decline around the world, a new report says – It's "Freedom" vs "Security"
Digital authoritarianism is on the rise, according to a new report from a group that monitors internet freedoms. Freedom House, a pro-democracy think tank, said today that governments are seeking more control over users’ data while also using laws nominally intended to address “fake news” to suppress dissent. It marked the eighth consecutive year that Freedom House found a decline in online freedoms around the world.
“Cutting off internet service is a draconian response, particularly at a time when citizens may need it the most, whether to dispel rumors, check in with loved ones, or avoid dangerous areas,” said Adrian Shahbaz, research director for technology and democracy. “While deliberately falsified content is a genuine problem, some governments are increasingly using ‘fake news’ as a pretense to consolidate their control over information and suppress dissent.”
Governments in 32 countries used paid commentators, bots, and trolls in an effort to manipulate online conversations. WhatsApp and other closed messaging apps are becoming more popular targets for manipulation, the authors write.
I suspect we're going to see more people moving to decentralised and federated social networks because centralised social networks are way easier to target for surveillance ie. one big basket with all the eggs in…
See https://www.theverge.com/2018/11/1/18050394/internet-freedom-report-2018-freedom-house-chertoff
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Internet freedom continues to decline around the world, a new report says Governments are reining in liberty for the eighth consecutive year, Freedom House reports |