WORLD DAY AGAINST CYBER CENSORSHIP

World Day Against Cyber Censorship is an online event held each year on the 12th of March. The day was first observed on 12 March 2008 at the request of Reporters Without Borders (a Paris-based international non-governmental organization, that advocates freedom of the press) and Amnesty International.

This event is intended to rally everyone in support of a single Internet that is unrestricted and accessible to all and to draw attention to the ways that governments around the world are deterring and censoring free speech online. It is also meant to draw attention to the fact that, by creating new spaces for exchanging ideas and information, the Internet is a force for freedom. However, more and more governments have realised this and are reacting by trying to control the Internet. Reporters Without Borders marks the occasion by issuing its latest list of “Enemies of the Internet.” This list points the finger at countries such as Iran, China, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam and Cuba (India too) that restrict online access and harass their netizens. A list of countries that have been placed “under surveillance” for displaying a disturbing attitude towards the Internet is also released. Reporters Without Borders has designed a logo to symbolise the defense of online free expression. It represents a computer mouse freeing itself from its chains. Do you want to show your support for World Day against Cyber-Censorship? Do you want to defend an Internet without restrictions and accessible to everyone? Don’t hesitate to download this logo and post it on your blog or website or add it to your email signature.

On World Day Against Cyber Censorship, Reporters Without Borders awards an annual Netizen Prize that recognizes an Internet user, blogger, cyber-dissident, or group who has made a notable contribution to the defense of online freedom of expression.