#Censorship14

17 Apr 2026

Indonesia tightens rules for digital platforms

Indonesia is increasing regulation of global digital platforms to curb misinformation and protect public safety. Officials inspected a major company's office, require platform registration, and use takedown systems, which has drawn criticism over unclear rules and rights.

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Photo by Markus Winkler, Unsplash

15 Mar 2026

New rules for music and film in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has introduced new rules for concerts and film reviews. The law, signed on February 18 and effective for concerts from April 20, restricts certain content and requires organisers to coordinate with local authorities.

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13 Mar 2026

New Russian law restricts films seen as against traditional values

A law that began on 1 March 2026 lets the Ministry of Culture block films that it says discredit traditional Russian spiritual and moral values. The rules cover cinemas, streaming services and social media.

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3 Mar 2026

Mexico restores access to main government site over Tor

For years many Mexican federal websites blocked users of the Tor network. In July 2025 the block on the main federal site was lifted, but some services and a whistleblower mailbox remain inaccessible via Tor.

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15 Jan 2026

Taliban control reshapes Afghan cinema

Since August 2021 the Taliban have closed cinemas, removed women from media and dissolved the state film body. An investigation shows fear for the national film archive and serious limits on filmmakers inside and outside Afghanistan.

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26 Dec 2025

Tomorrow Club: young writers share voices from Asia

PEN International’s Tomorrow Club connects young writers with mentors and publishes personal and political stories. The latest Asia edition brought together many young contributors and highlighted censorship, exile and calls for more support and mentorship.

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29 Nov 2025

Instagram bot campaigns target activists and media in Western Balkans

In November 2025 coordinated bot operations hit activist and media Instagram accounts in the Western Balkans. Reports on November 16 and 23, 2025 describe fake followers, mass reports, bot comments and mass liking that reduced visibility.

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25 Oct 2025

Vietnam Rise supports grassroots activists inside Vietnam

Vietnam Rise, founded by members of the Vietnamese diaspora, supports grassroots activists in Vietnam with fellowships, grants and regional cooperation. The group faces state pressure and works to raise international awareness.

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19 Oct 2025

Togo to tighten control of online speech

Togo plans stricter rules for online speech after large protests in June 2025. Authorities and the media regulator warned of criminal charges and told journalists to check social media material carefully.

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6 Oct 2025

China starts campaign to remove 'negative' online content

On September 22 China's Cyberspace Administration began a two-month campaign to remove online posts it calls antagonistic or negative. Platforms removed posts, banned influencers and targeted fan groups, trolls and so-called low-consumption vloggers.

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23 Jul 2025

Creative Australia reinstates Venice Biennale nominees

Creative Australia has reversed its removal of artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino as Australia’s nominees for the 2026 Venice Biennale after public debate, a Senate hearing and an independent review.

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18 Jun 2025

New Bill in the Philippines and Online Content Regulation

A bill in the Philippines aims to expand the powers of the MTRCB to regulate online content. This has sparked concerns about censorship among artists and advocates for free speech.

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7 May 2025

Temirlan Yensebek sentenced in high‑profile case

Satirical journalist Temirlan Yensebek was arrested in January 2025 and later sentenced to a non‑custodial term with bans on journalism. Supporters campaigned, but court access and livestreams were restricted during the trial.

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