Cuba's escalating energy crisis, marked by frequent and lengthy power outages, is profoundly disrupting the work of independent journalists. These blackouts cut off internet access, impede reporting, and exacerbate existing state restrictions, impacting journalists' ability to inform the public.
Afghanistan faces new internet restrictions as the Taliban throttles speeds and blocks major social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat. This follows a nationwide 48-hour internet blackout in late September, ordered by Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada to curb 'immorality.' The measures have drawn condemnation from UN experts, who warn of severe impacts on human rights, education, and the economy.
A new NPR report, published October 10, 2025, revisits historical instances of French political puppet shows, such as 'Les Guignols De L'info', being pushed off air after satirizing figures in power. The report draws comparisons to similar events involving Russia's 'Kukly' and recent free speech debates in the United States, highlighting the enduring challenges to satirical expression.
Chinese authorities, led by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), have launched a two-month 'Clear and Bright' campaign to suppress online dissent and 'negative sentiments,' particularly those related to the country's economic slowdown. Influencers and economists discussing economic challenges have faced bans and content removal across major social media platforms.
Tajikistan is debating new legislation proposed by lawmaker Dilnoza Ahmadzoda to ban social media for children under 14 and require parental consent for ages 14-17. The move aims to protect minors from harmful online content, sparking debate among experts and the public regarding effectiveness and digital literacy.
Afghanistan's internet services were restored on October 3, 2025, following a 48-hour nationwide blackout imposed by the Taliban authorities. The disruption severely impacted commerce, communication, banking, and online education, with officials citing 'morality concerns' as a reason for the shutdown.
Internet services across Afghanistan were largely restored on October 1, 2025, concluding a 48-hour nationwide blackout imposed by Taliban authorities. The shutdown, which began on September 29, severely impacted commerce, communication, education, and humanitarian efforts, drawing international condemnation.
Afghanistan experienced a near-total internet and communications blackout on September 29, 2025, imposed by the Taliban. The move, described as 'morality measures' by authorities, has severely impacted connectivity, disrupting daily life, businesses, and education, particularly for women and girls.
Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, has accused French intelligence services of pressuring him to remove certain Moldovan channels from the app. He claims the request, made about a year ago while he was under judicial supervision in Paris, was linked to his ongoing court case in France, with an offer of judicial leniency in exchange for cooperation. France's foreign ministry has dismissed the allegations.
Recent Israeli airstrikes on two newspaper offices in Sanaa, Yemen, on September 10, 2025, resulted in the deaths of 31 journalists and media support workers, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). This incident marks the deadliest attack on journalists in the Middle East and the second-deadliest globally in 16 years. The IDF stated it targeted Houthi propaganda headquarters.
Top Democratic leaders, including Chuck Schumer and Chris Murphy, have issued stark warnings that President Donald Trump's recent actions, such as publicly urging Justice Department action against political opponents and the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's show, are pushing the United States towards a dictatorship. These concerns follow Trump's social media posts targeting Adam Schiff and Letitia James, and the FCC's role in Kimmel's show being pulled off air.
The Pentagon has enacted stringent new rules, mandating journalists sign a pledge to seek approval before publishing even unclassified information and restricting movement within the building. Failure to comply risks credential revocation, drawing widespread condemnation from press freedom advocates.
The North German Broadcasting (NDR) has ended its collaboration with presenter Julia Ruhs for the 'Klar' format, a decision that has sparked significant criticism from German politicians. Ruhs will continue to host the show for the Bavarian Broadcasting (BR).
Top Democrats are alleging a 'corrupt pay-to-play' scheme by the FCC behind the indefinite suspension of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'. They accuse FCC Chair Brendan Carr of abusing power and bullying ABC, linking the pressure to a pending media merger. Lawmakers are demanding Carr's resignation and threatening congressional subpoenas.
The UK's Culture Secretary is considering action against GB News and Nigel Farage's show due to concerns about the blurring of lines between news and political commentary, following complaints from MPs. This comes as Reform UK, led by Farage, enjoys high poll numbers, and GB News has recently become the most-watched news channel in the UK.
Nepal's capital has descended into chaos as tens of thousands of protesters clashed with security forces, leading to violent demonstrations that resulted in fires at government buildings and the resignation of the Prime Minister.
The Nepali government faced significant backlash after blocking access to multiple social media platforms, leading to widespread unrest fueled by public discontent over corruption and inequality. Following the intense reactions, authorities quickly reinstated access to the platforms they had banned.
Editors on Wikipedia faced controversy over their handling of the article regarding the murder of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee, with attempts to delete the entry and remove the suspect's name. The decisions have sparked debates about the platform's notability guidelines and perceived biases in content coverage.
Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli has stepped down following two days of violence that resulted in the deaths of 19 people during anti-government protests across Nepal. Demonstrators, mainly students, are rallying against corruption and heavy-handed governmental actions, leading to unrest that has seen restrictions on social media platforms and increased tensions with political figures.
Nepal's Prime Minister resigned amidst violent protests against social media restrictions and government corruption, following clashes where police killed nineteen protesters. The demonstrations, which targeted the homes of political leaders, were fueled by widespread discontent and led to a curfew and calls for restraint from the army.
