Engadget: Court blocks FCC from cutting broadband subsidies in tribal lands. “The FCC has hit a snag in its plan to curb broadband subsidies for low-income homes. A DC appeals court has issued a stay order temporary blocking the regulator from limiting the $25 monthly Lifeline subsidy in tribal lands, arguing that native groups and small carriers are likely to win their case opposing the cuts.”
human rights
Preservica: Amnesty International creates new global human rights digital archive with Preservica
Preservica: Amnesty International creates new global human rights digital archive with Preservica. “The world’s largest grassroots human rights organization will use Preservica’s active digital preservation platform to create a global archive that will accelerate investigations into human rights violations and protect digital records of significant historical importance to the global movement.”
Quartz: Uganda’s government is doubling down on its controversial social media tax
Quartz: Uganda’s government is doubling down on its controversial social media tax. “After a brief review period, Ugandan regulators have decided to double down on both the decision to charge citizens a daily levy for access to social media, and the controversial reasoning behind it. Since July 1, Ugandans have been paying 200 Uganda shillings ($0.05) a day to use social media. Whoever didn’t pay was blocked from accessing sites and apps like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and 55 others. To get round the blockade, many people have been using virtual private networks rather than pay the social media tax.”
Phys .org: Zambia planning social media clampdown
Phys .org: Zambia planning social media clampdown . “Zambia said on Thursday it will introduce tough new laws to regulate social media use to fight cyber-crime and combat the consumption of pornography in the conservative African country. Communication Minister Brian Mushimba told parliament that some Zambians were using social media to commit identity theft, send pornographic images and spread hate speech.”
Channel News Asia: Ugandan groups file court challenge against social media tax
Channel News Asia: Ugandan groups file court challenge against social media tax. “Uganda’s new tax on social media access limits basic rights and harms business, according to a petition filed by activists to the constitutional court against a levy that civic groups and opposition parties say is onerous.”
Reuters: Vietnam lawmakers approve cyber law clamping down on tech firms, dissent
Reuters: Vietnam lawmakers approve cyber law clamping down on tech firms, dissent. “Vietnamese legislators approved a cybersecurity law on Tuesday that tightens control of the internet and global tech companies operating in the Communist-led country, raising fears of economic harm and a further crackdown on dissent.”
Quartz: Tanzania’s repressive online laws have forced the “Swahili Wikileaks” to close
Quartz: Tanzania’s repressive online laws have forced the “Swahili Wikileaks” to close. “Jamii Forums announced it was forced to comply with a government notice that it apply for an online license or cease operation ahead of the June 15 deadline. As part of the new restrictions, the government must certify all bloggers and charge an annual license fee of over $900. Those defying the new orders face fines starting at five million Tanzanian shillings ($2,200) or a year in prison.”
