CENSORSHIP
Are authorities losing control as youth protests leverage technology to bypass shutdowns?
Youth-led protests around the world have increasingly relied on digital tools to organize and communicate. Authorities find it challenging to respond effectively to these protests, as traditional methods such as internet shutdowns are less effective. The recent demonstrations in New Delhi highlighted the use of Bluetooth-based messaging and VPNs for coordination. Governments may need to consider more proportional responses to avoid further radicalization of protest movements.
Sanjay Gandhi was man in a hurry, played significant role in decision-making during Emergency: Sonia
In her insights, Sonia Gandhi discusses Sanjay Gandhi's pivotal role during the Emergency from 1975 to 1977. She highlights the repression of political opposition and the erosions of civil liberties that defined this era. Sanjay’s ambitious strategies, particularly in family planning and urban development, ignited public backlash against the regime.
Sonia Gandhi says Penguin was 'uneasy' with criticism of govt
Sonia Gandhi expressed disappointment over Penguin Random House India's refusal to publish her memoir due to government criticism. Although inclined to publish, the publisher reportedly faced internal disagreements regarding the manuscript's content. Subsequent concerns were raised regarding potential government pressure affecting the book's publication. HarperCollins India has now confirmed publication of her memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love,' on November 10.
France moves to make rioters pay through family welfare benefit
France's Senate has approved a law to hold families accountable for damages caused by riots and unrest. This legislation allows authorities to recover compensation from family benefits like housing aid and allowances. Critics argue that the bill may disproportionately affect vulnerable families and discourage peaceful protests. Similar accountability measures are being considered in other European countries amid concerns over riots.
Social media norms, AI, deepfakes, chips among others on review list of parliamentary panel in 2026-27
The development comes as several incidents of age-inappropriate content, circulation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and alleged censorship on social media have been reported widely.
Opting to 'play it safe' over 'disruption'
Recent events illustrate the Indian state's approach to censorship regarding cultural and political expressions. The removal of photographs from an exhibition highlights concerns over national security and law order. Additionally, the refusal of permission for a popular concert raises questions about artistic freedom.
Raihan Vadra row deals another blow to India's global image as freedom-loving democracy: Tharoor
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticised the removal of photographs from Raihan Vadra’s exhibition at Bikaner House, calling it censorship that could damage India’s global reputation as a freedom-loving democracy. The controversy has drawn reactions from Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and the venue’s administration, which cited its exhibition policy for seeking the removal.
'Will not take down Indian Flag': Priyanka Gandhi's son alleges 'protest' photos pulled down at Bikaner House exhibition
Raihan Vadra, son of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, alleged that Bikaner House management asked him to remove 74 artworks documenting protests from his exhibition, No Idea Is Final, ahead of its opening. Congress leaders Pawan Khera and Karti Chidambaram condemned the alleged censorship, while the Indian Youth Congress Legal Cell also criticised the move.
X Community Notes 'failed' to flag US election falsehoods, study says
A crowd-sourced verification system used by Elon Musk's X failed to flag a vast majority of false claims related to the US midterm elections -- including those promoted by the billionaire -- a study said Wednesday. "X's crowdsourced fact-checking program failed to flag 93.1 percent of false claims related to the US midterm elections," NewsGuard said.
'Sally Rooney is a writer, not a terrorist': 150+ authors inlcuding Arundhati Roy urge UK to halt 'draconian' Palestine Action ban
More than 150 writers signed an open letter requesting changes to the UK's ban on Palestine Action. Irish author Sally Rooney announced her decision to halt book sales in the UK due to the ban. The Labour government faced criticism for categorizing Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. The letter emphasizes the importance of free speech in the current political climate.
How is Bollywood changing the way intimate scenes are filmed? Meet the intimacy coordinators who are mapping every touch
Bollywood is slowly embracing intimacy coordinators to enhance on-set safety and actor consent. These specialists are tasked with designing intimate moments while ensuring minimal unwanted contact between cast members.
Why Nepal banned Sara Ali Khan, Ayushmann Khurrana’s Udta Teer? Plot details revealed
Set to release on October 23, Udta Teer, starring Sara Ali Khan and Ayushmann Khurrana, faces a ban from Nepal's Central Film Censor Board. Citing breaches of cinema law, the ministry has deemed the film unfit for public viewing. The storyline comically explores India-Pakistan relations, featuring Bilal, a Pakistani operative who becomes an Indian counter-terrorism officer after a memory loss.
Govt asks Meta to ensure its recommendation systems do not expose users to a limited set of narratives
The advisory by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), dated October 10, asked Meta to undertake appropriate measures to provide adequate context in relation to photographs, videos, graphics, or other content depicting ongoing public events, particularly where the authenticity, date, location or circumstances of such content may not be readily apparent to users.
CJP chief Dipke announces Tricolour protest in Delhi tomorrow
CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das have been arrested for protesting with the national flag. Abhijeet Dipke, CJP founder, criticized the government for imposing an unofficial emergency. He announced plans for a tricolour protest in Delhi, questioning the legality of their arrests. Dipke expressed solidarity with the Congress party's upcoming march to Parliament as well.
PEN America: Nearly 12,000 school book bans in a year, a record high
In a startling report, PEN America disclosed that almost 12,000 book bans impacted public schools last year, marking a significant rise in censorship. The report underscores that books addressing race, sexuality, and gender identity face the highest scrutiny, with Stephen King's writings being the most frequently challenged. Noteworthy titles such as 'The Handmaid's Tale' and 'Speak' also appeared on the list.
How to deal with fake 'AI videos'? Salman Khan offers solution to stop such social media creators during Bigg Boss 20. ‘Until one or two...'
Salman Khan has spoken out against people who deliberately create fake AI videos and manipulated voices of actors, warning that such content can be mistaken for real footage and spread widely on social media. During Bigg Boss 20 Weekend Ka Vaar, he suggested a strict measure to stop those knowingly creating such videos and called for a law and stronger controls on social media.
European Union vows to defend its stand against X after the US backs a court challenge from Elon Musk
The European Union imposed a significant fine on social media platform X for regulatory violations. Following this, the U.S. government expressed support for Musk's legal efforts to dismiss the fine. The European Commission emphasised its right to enforce legislation aimed at protecting citizens. This situation has escalated tensions between Brussels and Washington regarding regulatory power. Officials from both sides have engaged in discussions about jurisdiction and implications for American companies.
Australia steps up response to AI after OpenAI bot breaches health system database
The incursion on one of the country's most used government agencies may prompt a tougher stance as Australia readies AI-specific laws starting in 2027, adding pressure to Australia-US relations already tested by Canberra's teen social media ban, tech policy experts said.
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