Ghadafi used several of these methods to try and persecute the anti government protests that broke out in Libya. He threatened to hire people up if they were caught using Facebook to post anti government remarks. He shutdown cellular and internet access through out the country. All of his actions are from laws that are great in early Middle East and North African countries who all share the like set of controlling internet content which is seen as insulting or offensive. Here is one example of a current law in Kuwait: "Kuwait's 2006 press law allows the enslavement of journalists for making references to Islam that are deemed insulting or for articles seen as "against national interests" (Access Controlled, p. 526)."
According to the laws setup in the middle east, Ghadafi has every expert in arresting people and close down the net in order to protect "national interests" in Libya. I bear with having laws and filters in rank to regulate certain content if it is going to get a brat or offend somebody else. For example, if there is a website that is promoting a terrorist attack on the Libyan government so I think the government has every sound in taking action against the place and its owners. The job with this is what is considered unlawful in the eyes of the Libyan government? Also, why filter the net to the level of confining a person's freedom of speech or appear in Libya? Does limiting the attack to certain online content, shutting down the net and arresting people for posting anti government information loss to end the uprising in Libya?
Currently Libya is in a state of turmoil. Rebel forces in cities across Libya are starting a revolution against Ghadafi and the current Libyan government. Ghadafi has retaliated by using the Libyan military to pay a war against his own people. It may appear strange to pursue a war against one's own cititzens until we look at the laws, policies and structures in space which allow for these actions. So in the eyes of Ghadafi this could be deemed as a noise to the land and he is acting with "national interests" in mind. This does not have anything to do with the rules and regulations of content being filtered or blocked on the net in Libya. But it does point to how the people in Libya are being treated and why they are being treated this way. Since Libya is a despotic government the people's rights and freedom of expression will be hampered no matter what they do in this country.
These kind of laws can stifle Libya's economy and which we have seen can get to a revolution. If people are stifled online then this can do a government start to get away freedoms in real space as well. In the edition I found that countries in the middle east like Libya are blocking sites for political campaigning and social activism. Of course the people in these countries are asking that these restrictions be lifted. Of course these countries are not going to produce these restrictions since they know that the net is associated with sound and power. Ghadafi understands this and that is why he has not lifted restrictions on the net or changed any of the laws in his country. The worst part about this is that U.S. companies are helping to leave these technological restrictions for these countries so that they can take a profit. It is a shame that content filtering companies do not give a conscience or a concerns about the issues going on in these countries. I think if they did it would give a big impact on how these countries would go about filtering their internet content.
A balance of laws and content filtering must be reached if the middle east along with Libya want to keep peace in their countries. If not, then these governments will extend to experience excitement and uprisings.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Johnny D Music News: Laws and the net in Libya - John D Radcliff
Laws and the net in Libya - John D Radcliff
The middle east has several first and 2nd generation measures to regulate internet access and online activities. This includes laws and regulations, technical filtering, physical restrictions, surveillance and monitoring, and torment and arrests. There are alot of torah and regulations used to ensure access which include laws that go with iron and publications all the way to Internet and ISP rules and regulations.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Johnny D Music News: John D McHugh on covering protests in Bahrain
Following clashes in mid February that left at least seven people dead, anti-government protesters camped out in the capital in an attempt to force political reforms and end the monarchy's grip on power.
Within days the camp was the view of a violent encounter between theprotestors and government forces, yet it remained in place for more than one month before being cleared by the authorities.
Johnny D Music News: BBC - Viewfinder: John D McHugh on covering .
The recent protests and revolutions that have swept across parts of the Middle East and North Africa have of course attracted waves of photographers.
John D McHugh on covering protests in Bahrain
Following clashes in mid February that left at least seven people dead, anti-government protesters camped out in the great in an effort to force political reforms and end the monarchy's grip on power.
Within days the encampment was the aspect of a fierce encounter between theprotestors and government forces, yet it remained in order for more than one month before being cleared by the authorities.
John D arrived after the initial unrest and began his form in the rebuilt camp. He said: "They showed me the bullet holes, and the spot where one protester died. Considering the recent bloodshed, I was astounded to see so many women and children participating in the protest."
Covering such an issue is not without both risk and complications. John D said: "Working in Pearl Roundabout, also known as Lulu Roundabout, was difficult. Everyone had a story, and they were desperate for the international community to see them, to assist them. I was filming a documentary on a small camcorder, but still that drew a lot of attention.
"But with my unobtrusive compact camera, I dig these photographs and recorded audio, barely noticed by people. There was an air of hope, of outlook and the small camera made me inconspicuous, allowing me to capture moments that wouldn't have been possible if I was running with my usual kit."
"When protests started in Bahrain journalists rushed to the island kingdom. But presently they were being detained at the airport, some were held for 16 hours, and their professional filming and photographic equipment was being seized. So when I travelled in, I brought the smallest kit I could, a small handheld HD video camera that looks like a phone, and a compact Canon G12, that shoots stills and video.
"Although the usa and police had been pulled of the streets by the King, there was even a very real opening of more violence. Because I was stressful to introduce the country 'low profile' I had to give my usual personal protection equipment at home. I felt naked travelling without my body armor and helmet. However, I did hold my battlefield first aid kit, which I wear at all times on my belt. There are about things I simply won't move without."
A choice of John D's pictures can be seen below.
You can see more of John D McHugh's work on his website.
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BBC - Viewfinder: John D McHugh on covering protests in Bahrain
The recent protests and revolutions that have swept across parts of the Middle East and North Africa have of course attracted waves of photographers.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Johnny D Music News: Red News - Justin Bieber Tour Dates !011
Red News - Justin Bieber Tour Dates !011
