Content moderation and the U.S. election: What to ask, what to demand
It’s not clear that social media played a more significant role than many other factors in the 2016 election, including traditional media. But the techlash is real enough.
Elections 2020
On the precipice of one of the most consequential elections in the history of American democracy, PEN America asked writers Natalie Diaz, Jean Guerrero, Laila Lalami, and Alice Wong to provide their insights and reflections in this collection of essays.
Foreign reporters describe safety concerns covering US elections and protests
This year, amid the spread of COVID-19, curtailed campaigns, civil unrest, visa issues, and an unpredictable political environment, the elections beat has been particularly challenging for foreign reporters.
US: Open letter opposing the Eliminating Abusive and Rampant Neglect of Internet Technologies Act of 2020
In the open letter organisations called for the US Senate to object to any motion for unanimous consent to place the bill on the Senate floor and to vote ‘no’ on passage of the bill in its current form.
If extradited to the US Julian Assange faces 175 years in jail
“If you criminalise news gathering, you are criminalising journalism. It is a moral duty for journalists to protect sources. Many have gone to jail to protect that principle.”
Free speech 2020: An interview with Nupol Kiazolu, President of Black Lives Matter Greater NY
PEN America spoke with Kiazolu about what freedom of speech means to her and to the Black Lives Matter movement, why protests matter, and how young people can harness the power of their voices.
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.
What to do when your employee is harassed online
U.S. law requires employers to create a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. But as offices go virtual, what happens when staff confront a torrent of hate and abuse online?
EU Court again rules that NSA spying makes US companies inadequate for privacy
The European Union’s highest court made clear – once again – that the US government’s mass surveillance programs are incompatible with the privacy rights of EU citizens.
‘Voice of America’ visa review could put journalists at risk
If ‘Voice of America’ journalists lose their visas, many of them would be forced to return to their home countries, where they could face retribution for their critical reporting.
Open Letter Calling for the Release of WikiLeaks Publisher Julian Assange
In the run-up to the resumption of Wikileaks publisher Julian Assange’s US extradition trial in September, and to mark his birthday on 3rd July, Reporters Without Borders has worked with The Courage Foundation on this open letter to the UK government detailing extensive concerns about his treatment and continued persecution. We call on the UK government to uphold its commitment to press freedom in its own country.
RSF calls for charges against Assange to be dropped as US issues new superseding indictment
“The superseding indictment is the latest in a long series of moves by the US government to manipulate legal loopholes in their targeting of Julian Assange, to undermine his defence, and to divert public attention from the extremely serious press freedom implications of his case.”
Two different proposals to amend Section 230 share similar goal: Damage online users’ speech
All internet users rely on Section 230, which provides important legal protections when platforms offer their services to the public and when they moderate the content that relies on those services, from the proverbial cat video to an incendiary blog post.
PEN America files legal brief against Trump efforts to censor Bolton book
The literary group argues that barring the publication would be a serious infringement of Bolton’s First Amendment rights, and the public’s right to know.
US Supreme Court ruling a victory for LGBTQI+ workers
The US Supreme Court today declared that federal law bans employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The decision is a major victory for LGBTQI+ people across the United States.
Freedom of expression in the fight against systemic racism and oppression
On 25 May 2020, in the United States, George Floyd’s voice was heard for the last time. His horrific murder and his final message – I can’t breathe – shed a harsh light on a reality that far too many look away from. A tipping point was reached. A spark was lit. And the world couldn’t stay silent anymore.