Another victim of the war on terror

Freedom House monitors freedom on the web and its 2015 assessment of countries based on developments as of May was gloomy enough.

“Of the 65 countries assessed, 32 have been on a negative trajectory since June 2014. The most significant declines occurred in Libya, Ukraine, and France. Libya, tom by internal conflict experienced a troubling increase in violence against bloggers. new cases of political censorship, and rising prices for internet and mobile phone services. Ukraine, amid its own territorial conflict and propaganda war with Russia. featured more prosecutions for content that was critical of the government’s policies, as well as increased violence from pro-Russian paramilitary groups against users who posted pro-Ukraine content in the eastern regions. Franc&s standing declined primarily due to problematic policies adopted in the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo terrorist attack, such as restrictions on content that could be seen as ‘apology for terrorism,’ prosecutions & users, and significantly increased surveillance. “

With the recent incidents in Paris and the bombing of the Russian plane, things will only get worse even in the West. 

Personally, I am ok with using technology for surveillance and public security, but I know many colleagues around the world worry that leads to more Big Brother.

It behooves us all to watch for encroaching censorship, invasion of privacy, and in particular, speak out of behalf of many in places where freedom of speech has not been constitutionally protected for over two centuries.