Newly leaked documents reveal that the Chinese company Geedge Networks is selling sophisticated censorship systems, modeled after the Great Firewall, to governments globally. These systems allow for online information monitoring, website and VPN blocking, and individual surveillance. Deployed in countries like Kazakhstan, Ethiopia, and Pakistan, the company’s core offering, the Tiangou Secure Gateway, can process an entire country’s internet traffic, intercepting sensitive data and employing machine learning to identify and block circumvention tools. Researchers warn that the system gives governments unprecedented power, including the ability to target individuals based on their online activities.
Read More
Recent actions by the Russian government indicate a significant crackdown on internet freedom. The supervisory authority Roskomnadzor blocked 56,000 websites for refusing to remove content deemed “extremist.” Simultaneously, a controversial new law criminalizes the search for such content, sparking criticism and protests. The law, passed by the State Duma, targets those seeking content critical of the Kremlin and aims to further restrict internet access, which has been increasing since the invasion of Ukraine.
Read More
Iran’s parliament has voted to ban Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service, escalating its crackdown on outside influence following recent U.S. and Israeli strikes. The new law, which also tightens espionage rules, criminalizes Starlink use and introduces severe penalties, including fines, flogging, or up to two years in prison. This move reflects Tehran’s concern over Starlink’s role as a crucial digital connection during internet blackouts, potentially providing a lifeline for dissidents and circumventing state censorship. The legislation is expected to be approved soon, leading to enforcement targeting users and those collaborating with perceived adversaries, such as the U.S. and Israel.
Read More
YouTube reportedly not working in Russia is a massive blow to both content creators and viewers in the country. YouTube was a critical platform that was widely used for entertainment and information purposes. With YouTube gone, it seems like a large part of the online experience has been abruptly cut off for Russian internet users. The platform’s absence leaves a void that cannot be easily filled, and many are left wondering about the underlying reasons behind this sudden shutdown.
The rise of PuTube as a replacement for YouTube in Russia has sparked mixed reactions. While some find the endless videos of Putin riding around on horses amusing, others view it as a controlled move to limit the dissemination of information that may be critical of the government.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker