At the beginning of April 2026 the Russian government increased measures to control the internet, expanding mobile shutdowns, limiting VPNs and blocking Telegram. Observers link the moves to recent developments in AI-enabled warfare and earlier blackouts in Moscow.
Photo by Christian Wiediger, Unsplash
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.
Protests in December 2025 and January 2026 caused a near-complete internet shutdown in Iran. Authorities later moved to a white-listed model, and reports and company documents link deep packet inspection tools and a firm called Protei to the controls.
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.
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.
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.
Authorities opened a case in St. Petersburg after videos showed the street band Stoptime playing songs by artists the government calls "foreign agents." The investigation focuses on 18-year-old vocalist Diana Loginova, who is detained for 13 days.
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.