Rick Hasen argues that there are serious constitutional questions with a new California ban on deepfakes, notably as related to the first amendment.
Technology Dissidents articles on Democracy Chronicles
This technology dissidents section covers individuals and groups using technology to advance democracy and the controversies surrounding this practice. Whistleblowers like Edward Snowden and Julian Assange will be covered here as well as technology and election experts like Harvard University's Lawrence Lessig. Also check out our entire section on Election Technology.
Disinformation: Countering malign influence of autocrats – and Big Tech?
The European Union may need “broader rules to make sure that the way companies collect and use data doesn’t harm the fundamental values of society.
Detained Iranian Social Media Activist Dies in Prison in Brutal Killing
A lawyer for a detained Iranian activist says he has died in a notorious prison in what one rights group described as a brutal killing by fellow inmates.
Vietnamese Environmental Activist Targeted for Facebook Posts
An environmental activist faces a show trial for his Facebook posts, as part of Vietnam’s continuing attack on freedom of expression.
Attorney, Rights Defender Sentenced to 30 Years, Flogging in Iran
Iranian lawyer jailed for 30 years after setting up a channel Telegram, highlighting human rights abuses in the Islamic Republic.
New Arrests in Bangladesh Over Social Media Posts
Bangladesh authorities made a series of new arrests in their crackdown on the right to free speech, Human Rights Watch said today.
Vietnam Jails 2 Activists for ‘Spreading Propaganda’ on Facebook
A Vietnamese court has jailed two activists on charges of publishing damaging anti-state propaganda about the communist-run country.
Julian Assange Is Gone! What Has He Done?
Julian has been arrested for reporting war crimes, while the criminals walk free. This is an outrage. Our democracy is upside down. We can’t allow our nation to continue down this path.
Case Against Julian Assange Raises Press Freedom Questions
Case against Julian Assange got newspaper editorial pages, political pundits and cable news analysts debating on the state of freedom of the press in U.S.
2 Mauritanian Political Bloggers Held for Defamation
Mauritanian authorities should free two bloggers arrested on March 22, 2019, and drop all charges related to their peaceful expression.