Reporters without Borders released its 2006 list of “internet enemies,” comprised of countries that stifle free speech. Placeholders include China, which reigns supreme in ‘net surveillance and censorship and blocks “subversive word strings.”
Cuba was also a mainstay. Private internet connections are banned. To get online Cubans visit public cafes, universities and computer clubs. These networks trigger the police when subversive keywords are spidered.
Egypt was a new inclusion for 2006. While they don’t do much censoring, several bloggers were recently arrested for rallying for democratic reform. Other bloggers are regularly harassed and websites can be closed if they’re suspected of threatening national security.
And apparently the US ranks 53rd in terms of press liberty in general. Finland is #1. But do the Finns actually have anything interesting to report? They’re not really big “conflict” people. – Contributed by Angela Natividad
