Global Censorship Of Free Speech Increasing

The Exposé | Expose-News.com | Rhoda Wilson

The United Nations and World Health Organisation are tightening the noose on free speech. While the UN uses treaties, WHO is deploying a “social listening” technique in Pacific island nations.

The European Union is creating a committee specifically to tackle online “disinformation.” In the UK, Ofcom is tightening the noose through the Online Safety Act and is leading the global push for online censorship as it chairs the Global Online Safety Regulators Network for a second year.

Meanwhile, corporate media in France is using the courts to enforce French censorship globally. And Spain is proposing a law to force social media influencers to issue public corrections for “misinformation.”

In the US it’s more of a mixed bag with some wins for freedom of speech and some worrying developments, such as the Kids Online Safety Act which some Senators are attempting to rush through before the current Congress expires.

UN IGF in Saudi Arabia Calls for Global Collaboration to Increase Online Censorship and Combat “Misinformation” Using AI

The UN Internet Governance Forum in Saudi Arabia emphasised the need for global collaboration to increase online censorship and combat “misinformation” using AI. Speakers, including Esam Alwagait and Khaled Mansour, expressed concerns about the spread of misinformation on social media, with Mansour stating that it can be “deadly” and “murderous” in conflict zones.

The Forum agreed on the need for regulation, relying on “advanced fact-checking tools” and labelling content, while also paying lip service to preserving freedom of expression.

UN General Assembly to Adopt Controversial Cybercrime Treaty, Ignoring Privacy and Free Speech Concerns

The UN General Assembly is set to adopt the UN Cybercrime Treaty, despite concerns from human rights and media organisations, as well as technology companies, that it threatens free speech and privacy.

The treaty has been criticised for falling short of international human rights standards and allowing countries to choose whether to implement certain standards.

The US is expected to support the treaty, along with other major Western countries, despite some expressing concerns, with critics arguing that it may be used to enforce repressive legislation.

WHO Expands “Misinformation Management” Efforts with “Social Listening”

The World Health Organisation (“WHO”) is expanding its “misinformation management” efforts, particularly in the Pacific region, where it conducted a “needs assessment” in 17 island states. The WHO aims to “manage” not only “disinformation” and “health misinformation” but also “rumours,” which were identified as a top priority by the Pacific states.

The organisation is using a platform called “OpenWHO” and a technique called “social listening” to analyse conversations and narratives and address health misinformation and disinformation as defined by the WHO.

UK’s Online “Safety” Act Enforced: Ofcom Pushes for Increased Platform Censorship and Encryption Backdoors

The UK’s Online Safety Act has come into force, with the Office of Communications (“Ofcom”) enforcing it and imposing high fines for noncompliance. Critics argue the law will increase censorship and allow for encryption backdoors, undermining online security and privacy.

A deadline of 15 March 2025, has been given to technology companies to come up with risk assessments regarding the consequences that illegal content has on their users, and then starting two days later, they will have to begin putting measures in place to reduce those risks.

Ofcom plans to introduce more measures, including crisis response protocols and forcing tech firms to build encryption backdoors to tackle child abuse and terrorism content.

UK’s Ofcom Leads Global Push for Online Censorship in 2025

The UK’s Ofcom regulator is leading a global push for online censorship, chairing the Global Online Safety Regulators Network for a second year in 2025.

The network, consisting of 25 members and observers, aims to expand global online censorship by aligning rules and cooperating on enforcement and information sharing. Its priorities include building regulatory coherence across jurisdictions, setting the groundwork for future regulation, and enhancing information sharing to address “cross-border harm” and “systemic non-compliance.”

UK’s Online Censorship Law Drives Small Websites to Shut Down

The UK’s Online Safety Act, to be enforced from March next year, is causing small websites to shut down due to “disproportionate personal liability” and high fines of up to $25 million.

The law requires online services to name a responsible person for compliance and introduces new criminal offences, prompting non-profit forums and community sites to close. Microcosm, a non-profit free hosting service, is one of the first examples, shutting down its 300 sites, including community hubs and forums, due to the law’s vague and broad requirements.

European Parliament Approves “European Democracy Shield” Committee to Tackle Online “Disinformation”

The European Parliament has approved the creation of the “European Democracy Shield” committee to combat foreign interference and disinformation. The committee, comprising 33 members, will scrutinise online platforms, AI-generated content, and “hybrid” threats, raising concerns about censorship and stifling dissenting views.

The committee will serve a 12-month term, reviewing existing laws and recommending reforms, but critics question its potential impact on freedom of expression and transparency.

Quad9 Faces French Legal Challenge Over Global Site Blocking

Quad9, a global public recursive DNS operator based in Switzerland, is facing a legal challenge in France from television channel Canal+. Canal+ demanded Quad9 block a list of sites globally, claiming copyright infringement.

A Paris court ruled in favour of Canal+, forcing Quad9 to comply with the block or face fines, despite the company’s intention to appeal. Quad9 argues that the block is an “absurd application of copyright law” and that it cannot selectively block sites in certain areas. The ruling means Quad9 is effectively enforcing French law globally.

Spain Proposes Law Requiring Social Media Influencers to Issue Corrections for “Disinformation”

Spain’s government is proposing a law requiring social media influencers with over 100,000 followers on one platform (or 200,000 across multiple platforms) to issue public corrections for “disinformation.”

The law, announced by Justice Minister Félix Bolaños, aims to prevent the spread of false information online and is part of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s “democratic renewal plan.”

The proposed legislation will extend the right of rectification beyond traditional media, allowing for easier correction requests and holding influencers accountable for spreading false information.

US House Strikes a Blow To Censorship in Landmark Defence Bill Vote

The US House of Representatives passed the National Defence Authorisation Act for fiscal year 2025, which includes a provision to prohibit contracts with firms like NewsGuard Technologies.

NewsGuard Technologies, a self-proclaimed nonpartisan fact-checking organisation, has been accused of targeting certain media outlets and promoting government-endorsed sources.

The provision aims to address concerns over biased media practices and financial censorship, as NewsGuard allegedly advises advertisers to avoid certain sites, stripping them of revenue.

US Senators Rush to Pass Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), Face Criticism Over Censorship and Age Verification Issues

US Senators, led by Marsha Blackburn and Richard Blumenthal, are pushing to pass the Kids Online Safety Act (“KOSA”) before the current Congress expires.

Critics, including the digital rights group EFF, argue that KOSA could lead to censorship and the restriction of protected online speech. Another major concern is the bill’s age verification requirement, which could lead to the collection of personal data and potentially create new issues with data safety and government overreach.

Stopgap Spending Bill Extends Funding for Controversial Global Engagement Centre Accused of Censorship

A stopgap spending bill has been unveiled to avert a US government shutdown, keeping federal agencies funded through 14 March. Buried within the bill is a short section, extending the funding for the Global Engagement Centre (“GEC”).

The GEC, tasked with countering foreign disinformation, has faced criticism for allegedly censoring US citizens and media outlets, sparking debate over its extension to 2025.

Critics, including Republican lawmakers and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, accuse the GEC of violating First Amendment rights, while supporters like former NSA Director Paul Nakasone and Sens. John Cornyn and Chris Murphy defend its role in national security.

US Court Advances Hines v. Stamos Case Alleging Government-Backed Censorship of Covid-19 and Election Speech

The US District Court for the Western District of Louisiana has allowed the Hines v. Stamos case to proceed to discovery, alleging government-backed censorship of covid-19 and election speech.

Plaintiffs Jill Hines and Jim Hoft sued nonprofits, researchers and academic institutions, including the Stanford Internet Observatory and the Atlantic Council, for conspiring with government officials to censor their online speech.

Judge Terry Doughty denied motions to dismiss the case, allowing discovery to proceed, but noted that the defendants may still prevail on jurisdiction or standing, or if it’s found they acted privately and not in collusion with the government.

US Report Reveals Push to Weaponise AI for Censorship

A US House Judiciary Committee report reveals the Biden-Harris administration’s push to use AI for censorship, citing it as a means to combat “disinformation.”

The report, ‘Censorship’s Next Frontier: The Federal Government’s Attempt to Control Artificial Intelligence to Suppress Free Speech’, proposes legislation to prevent AI from being used for censorship. The recommended legislation includes prohibiting government involvement in private algorithms, funding censorship-related research and avoiding AI regulation that gives the government coercive leverage, with the goal of preserving Americans’ right to free speech.

Documents Show CISA Monitored and Influenced Domestic Speech on Covid-19 Through Private Sector Partners

The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (“CISA”) monitored domestic speech on covid-19 through its Countering Foreign Influence Task Force as early as February 2020. To circumvent constitutional issues, CISA partnered with private sector entities, including fact-checkers and bias raters, to flag and censor online speech.

The monitored speech included comments from President Trump, and CISA justified censorship by claiming that accurate information could become misinformation over time, potentially violating the Supreme Court’s ‘major questions’ doctrine.

YouTube Teams with CAA to Let Talent Remove AI Deepfakes, Igniting Censorship Fears For Memes and Commentary

YouTube has partnered with talent agency CAA to develop a tool that allows celebrities to identify and remove AI-generated deepfakes featuring their likenesses.

The tool, intended to empower talent to protect their digital personas, is part of YouTube’s broader effort to establish a “responsible AI ecosystem.” Critics fear the initiative could lead to censorship, suppressing legitimate content such as memes, parodies and critical commentary, and undermining fair use laws.

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Image: Source [Yandex Screen Shot]

Original Article: https://expose-news.com/2024/12/21/the-week-in-censorship/

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