censorship

  • India

    India's New IT Rules: OTT Content Regulated Under Digital Media Ethics Code, Not Censor Board

    Dec 17, 2025 08:34 pm CST

    India has implemented a three-tier regulatory framework for OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, placing them under IT Rules 2021 rather than traditional censorship. Social media platforms with over 50 lakh users must appoint local officers, remove unlawful content within 24-72 hours, and publish compliance reports. The Centre has already blocked 43 OTT platforms for displaying objectionable content.

  • Hong Kong Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai Convicted: The Decline of Press Freedom Under National Security Law

    Hong Kong Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai Convicted: The Decline of Press Freedom Under National Security Law

    Dec 15, 2025 01:55 pm CST

    Hong Kong pro-democracy media magnate Jimmy Lai has been found guilty on three national security charges, facing potential life imprisonment. The 78-year-old Apple Daily founder's conviction represents a critical moment for press freedom in Hong Kong, as international rights organizations condemn the verdict. Detained since 2020, Lai's case highlights the ongoing tensions between democratic values and China's national security priorities in the former British colony.

  • Enhanced Vetting Requirements for H-1B Visa Applicants Under Trump Administration Target Free Speech Concerns

    Enhanced Vetting Requirements for H-1B Visa Applicants Under Trump Administration Target Free Speech Concerns

    Dec 04, 2025 08:28 am CST

    The Trump administration has implemented new vetting procedures for H-1B visa applicants, scrutinizing backgrounds for involvement in content moderation or "censorship" activities. This policy affects both new and returning applicants, requiring consular officers to examine work histories in detail. Tech companies relying on talent from countries like India and China may face impacts as the administration prioritizes free speech protection in its visa approval process.

  • Apple Removes Major LGBTQ Dating Apps Blued and Finka from Chinese App Store Following Government Orders

    Apple Removes Major LGBTQ Dating Apps Blued and Finka from Chinese App Store Following Government Orders

    Nov 12, 2025 05:48 pm CST

    Apple has removed popular gay dating apps Blued and Finka from China's App Store following direct orders from the Cyberspace Administration of China, highlighting escalating restrictions on LGBTQ digital platforms despite homosexuality being decriminalized in the country since 1997. This continues a pattern of digital censorship that previously saw Grindr removed in 2022, reflecting Apple's consistent compliance with Chinese regulatory demands to maintain access to this crucial market.

  • Jimmy Kimmel Hits Decade-High Ratings On Return After Suspension

    Jimmy Kimmel Hits Decade-High Ratings On Return After Suspension

    Sep 25, 2025 07:34 am CST

    Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel had his biggest audience in a decade when he returned to US TV screens a week after pressure from Donald Trump's government saw him forced off the air, Disney said Wednesday.

  • Google Admits To Censorship Under Joe Biden, Plans To Restore Banned YouTube Accounts

    Google Admits To Censorship Under Joe Biden, Plans To Restore Banned YouTube Accounts

    Sep 24, 2025 06:12 pm CST

    Google has admitted to removing content from YouTube under pressure from the Biden administration and announced a new policy allowing previously banned accounts to be reinstated, affecting both ordinary users and public figures.

  • Jimmy Kimmel

    Jimmy Kimmel's Fiery Attack On Trump Over 'Bullying' As Show Returns To Air

    Sep 24, 2025 05:08 pm CST

    TV show host Jimmy Kimmel on Tuesday launched a fiery attack on US President Donald Trump over the administration's alleged "bullying" and efforts to curb free speech.

  • "Don

    "Don't Find Anything Funny About Kirk Murder": Kimmel In Tears As Show Returns

    Sep 24, 2025 01:03 pm CST

    Jimmy Kimmel returned to late-night television Tuesday after a nearly weeklong suspension and nearly broke down in tears, saying he wasn't trying to joke about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

  • Jimmy Kimmel To Be Back On Air But Still Face Partial Boycott

    Jimmy Kimmel To Be Back On Air But Still Face Partial Boycott

    Sep 24, 2025 09:29 am CST

    Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show will be back on the air in the United States Tuesday after a week-long hiatus following government pressure on broadcasters that critics said amounted to a chill on free speech -- but it won't be on everywhere.

  • Jimmy Kimmel Set To Return To His Late-Night Show After ABC Lifts Suspension

    Jimmy Kimmel Set To Return To His Late-Night Show After ABC Lifts Suspension

    Sep 24, 2025 12:19 am CST

    Jimmy Kimmel is set to return to late-night television Tuesday after a nearly weeklong suspension that triggered a national discussion about freedom of speech and Trump's ability to police the words of journalists, commentators and even comics.