Access to Information

Open, safe, and equitable access to information, its circulation and integrity, both online and offline

1976 articles

Made in Hollywood, censored by Beijing

This new PEN America report examines the ways in which Beijing’s censors have affected and influenced Hollywood and the global filmmaking industry. Stories shape the way people think, and the stories told by Hollywood reach billions.

Philippine alternative news groups file complaints against state agents for threats and surveillance

Altermidya and its members Bulatlat, Kodao, and Pinoy Weekly filed complaints against state agents before the Philippines’ Commission on Human Rights for continuous threats, intimidation, and attacks on press freedom.

‘Locked’ cartoon strip shows impact of Kashmir’s autonomy loss and internet shutdown

This cartoon strip by Suhail Naqshbandi is published by Cartoonists Rights Network International a year after the repeal of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, and also the shutdown of the internet in the region.

Malaysian police raid Al Jazeera, ASTRO and UnifiTV media offices over documentary on migrant workers

The Centre for Independent Journalism urged the government to drop all investigations and stop all acts of intimidation and adverse actions against these media outlets.

Journalist Alex Braga attacked, threatened in Brazil

Brazilian authorities must promptly and thoroughly investigate the attack on journalist Alex Braga. He frequently covers corruption allegations involving local authorities and private companies.

Cambodia Fundamental Freedoms Monitor report 2019-2020

Covering the period from 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020, the monitoring report showed that the space to exercise fundamental freedoms continues to be restricted in Cambodia.

UN: Civil society welcomes Irene Khan as new Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression

The undersigned civil society organisations reiterate our strong support for the mandate, as well as our commitment and readiness to work together to navigate critical issues for freedom of expression and ensure the widest protection to this right for everyone without discrimination.

Australia: Public interest journalism wins in defamation reforms

Media groups said the current defamation laws are used to threaten journalists in order to avoid legitimate scrutiny.

120 alerts in 4 months: Severe threats to press freedom across Europe

Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), comprised of press freedom groups, publishes report charting worrying decline of media freedom in Europe. Key factors in the decline were COVID-19, police violence and online harassment.

Benin’s closure of online media outlets seen as muzzling of media

Benin’s media regulator has been criticised for a directive ordering the closure of non-compliant online media outlets.

Kyrgyzstan should release seriously ill Azimjon Askarov

Askarov, who was handed a life sentence after a dubious conviction in 2010, has a history of cardiac and respiratory problems. He is currently unable to walk on his own, has no appetite, has lost weight and has fevers. He is at extreme risk of contracting COVID-19.

Turkish draft social media bill expected to curtail online free expression

Soon to be introduced in the Parliament, the draft law will oblige social network providers to set up offices in Turkey and share user data with the Turkish authorities. The legislation will also likely enable blocking of anonymous social media accounts.

Governments urged to press Cambodia for concrete action on human rights situation

33 civil society organizations urge the Governments of Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, India, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States to echo the European Union (EU) in its call for the respect of human rights in Cambodia.

#HoldTheLine coalition calls for criminal tax charge to be dropped as Maria Ressa returns to court

The prosecution represents an attempt to use tax law and foreign ownership regulations as another weapon to criminalise journalism and silence Ressa and “Rappler” as threats to press freedom and democracy escalate in the Philippines.

Human Rights Council: NGO statement on the achievements and challenges of the 44th session

The 44th session of the HRC resulted in a number of welcome resolutions, on peaceful protests and freedom of opinion and expression among them, and country-specific discussions. However, several States escaped collective scrutiny this session.

Intense crackdown on journalists in Djibouti

Djibouti authorities sent 20 men to search for and arrest journalist Charmarke Saïd Darar during the recent crackdown on media.