Internet & Platforms News, TL;DR Summaries

Internet & Platforms
Developers Beware: Ad SDKs Are Exposing User Location Data
Many mobile advertising Software Development Kits (SDKs) collect and share user location data by default, often without developer or user awareness. Location data harvested through ad networks is frequently sold to brokers, enabling tracking for invasive surveillance, military monitoring, and ICE investigations. Real-time bidding (RTB) auctions broadcast user location to thousands of potential advertisers, facilitating data leaks. Identified High-Risk Ad SDKs InMobi: Encourages location sharing by highlighting that "location-enriched impressions" generate higher revenue, and enables location forwarding by default. BidMachine: Automatically tracks location by default; EFF technical analysis confirmed it was collecting precise coordinates despite initial claims on the Google Play Store that it did not. Verve (HyBid): Enabled location tracking by default but clarified via documentation updates that it collects only coarse, network-derived location data. Huawei (Petal Ads): Recommends developers enable location permissions to boost revenue, with location sharing occurring by default; opting out is poorly documented. Risks and Consequences Lack of Meaningful Consent: When users grant an app location permissions, embedded third-party SDKs gain the same access, often without separate disclosures or user consent. Invisible Data Pipeline: Developers are frequently unaware that their ad partners are leaking data to third-party brokers, as seen in the 2025 Gravy Analytics breach. Incentivized Privacy Invasion: Many SDKs use dark patterns, financial incentives, and confusing documentation to pressure developers into enabling broad data collection. Recommendations for Change For Developers: Audit third-party SDKs, disable unnecessary data collection, and move away from ad libraries that treat invasive tracking as the default. For Regulators: Hold SDK providers accountable for designing products that facilitate mass data leaks, rather than placing the burden solely on app developers. For Legislators: Enact federal privacy laws that prohibit the broadcast of location data via RTB and ban behavioral advertising to remove the primary incentive for tracking.
EFF Deeplinks · 49 minutes ago
Internet & Platforms
Community-Led Connectivity: Global Initiatives and Progress in 2026
Communities across Africa, Asia, and Latin America are designing and implementing their own connectivity solutions, proving that inclusive and sustainable access is possible through local ownership. These initiatives emphasize that meaningful connectivity is not just about bandwidth, but about social impact, environmental justice, and economic empowerment. Advocacy efforts are shifting towards policy frameworks that enable grassroots participation and protect territorial sovereignty. Community-Led Initiatives Nigeria: The Kukum Daji community conducted digital literacy training, while the Initiative For Digital Inclusion and Fantsuam Foundation supported infrastructure deployment. Brazil: The "Semeando Redes Resilientes" project launched its first network in Bela Vista, co-developed with local women and youth. Philippines: The Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement and CVISNET Foundation utilized satellite and emergency connectivity to aid farmers and disaster recovery. Kenya: The Oasis Mathare Code Club is empowering young learners, while AFRALTI hosted workshops on Open Fibre Data Standards. South Africa: The Sustainable Connectivity Project in Mpumalanga is providing affordable internet to over 300 households. Paraguay: The NANUM project is connecting over 20 Indigenous communities with resilient, intercultural networks. Argentina: Residents of Santa Rosa de Tasti successfully deployed and are now expanding their own community-led network. Gender and Digital Inclusion Philippines: Women organic farmers in Kayapa are using connectivity to manage farm data and secure economic independence. Indonesia: A report from Aceh highlights how women utilize local networks for disaster resilience and adaptation. Platform development: ICT Watch launched the "Materi Ajar Komunitas Berdaya" platform to provide training on digital entrepreneurship and online safety, focusing on women and marginalized groups. Policy and Regulation South Africa: Regulators are consulting on the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill, specifically looking to enable "use it or share it" spectrum policies. Colombia: The government approved 12 spectrum usage permits, with nine dedicated specifically to community-led connectivity. Regional strategies: Colombia, Nigeria, and the Philippines have launched National Strategies for Community-Centred Connectivity to guide growth through 2027. Research and Resources The ISEA published a policy report, "Beyond bandwidth," documenting the social return on community-led connectivity investments. The ITU launched a Connectivity Planning Platform to help model deployment scenarios. Connect Humanity released an "Alt Funding Field Guide" to help projects secure non-grant investment from sectors like healthcare and education. Upcoming Events and Funding Asia Community-Centered Connectivity Bootcamp: August 6-10, 2026, in Quezon City, Philippines. UNICEF call for interest: Deadline August 7, 2026, to support school connectivity projects. Tribal/Native broadband grants: US NTIA applications are open until September 17, 2026.
APC · 5 days ago
Internet & Platforms
DrFed: Simplifying the Fediverse and Enabling Decentralized Governance
DrFed is a new web-based platform designed to simplify the development and debugging of ActivityPub implementations, helping developers navigate the complexities of federated networking. Developed by an East Asian team with support from an NGI Zero Commons grant, the project aims to lower barriers to entry so more individuals and communities can build and shape their own digital spaces. The project challenges the current dominance of a few major implementations like Mastodon, aiming to foster true decentralization by allowing more developers to experiment with new standards and Fediverse Enhancement Proposals (FEPs). The Problem of Complexity and Centralization ActivityPub development is notoriously difficult due to inconsistent implementation choices between platforms like Mastodon and Misskey. Complex technical standards often result in only large, well-funded organizations being able to participate effectively, mirroring the trend where browser engines are now largely maintained by a few corporations. The project promotes "de-corporatisation," arguing that a protocol can be technically distributed while power remains concentrated in a few dominant entities or implementations. Linguistic and Cultural Barriers English-dominated technical spaces create significant barriers for non-native speakers, such as the creator of Misskey, who struggle to contribute to protocol standardization. The East Asian Fediverse is split between English-fluent, Western-oriented circles and larger, otaku-centric communities where the primary language of culture and interaction is often Japanese. The developer emphasizes that translation should be a core design choice rather than an afterthought, allowing diverse communities to participate in global digital debates without being burdened by the overhead of a dominant second language. Philosophy and Vision Decentralization is viewed not as an inherent moral property of a network, but as a political goal to shift governance power away from private, US-based corporations. Hackers' Pub, a social network currently in development by the team, incorporates these principles by building in multilingual support and algorithmic design intended to expose users to unfamiliar perspectives. The team advocates for public funding of open-source software, noting the lack of such infrastructure in East Asia compared to Europe, and encourages users to abandon platforms where they have no say in governance in favor of federated alternatives.
APC · 6 days ago
Internet & Platforms
EU Commission demands tighter privacy protections for minors on TikTok
The European Commission has made a preliminary finding that TikTok violates the Digital Services Act (DSA) by failing to provide a high level of privacy and safety for minors. Regulators demand that TikTok restricts content visibility for users under 18, limits recommendation algorithms for older teens, and prevents non-platform access to minors' content. Failure to comply with these demands could result in fines of up to six percent of TikTok's global annual revenue. Concerns Regarding Minors' Privacy For users aged 13–15: The Commission argues this group should not have the option to make accounts public, as it exposes them to anyone, including non-users. Even with private accounts, profiles and follower lists can be used to identify these minors. For users aged 16–17: While public accounts are permitted, regulators object to content being discoverable outside the platform or promoted via the "For You" feed. Security implications: Officials fear these design choices prioritize viral growth over safety, increasing risks of cyberbullying and unwanted contact by malicious actors. Regulatory Process and Next Steps Proceedings were initiated in February 2024 to address potential failures in protecting minors. TikTok is now reviewing the Commission's documents and can submit a response. While no specific deadline was set, the Commission expects changes to account default settings. Ongoing investigations: A separate probe into the platform's "addictive design" remains open, and the Commission continues to evaluate the effectiveness of TikTok's age verification systems as part of a wider EU project.
netzpolitik.org · 2 weeks ago
Internet & Platforms
EU Imposes €890 Million Fine on Google for DMA Violations
The European Commission has fined Google €890 million for violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The penalties stem from anti-competitive behavior in Google Search, where self-preferencing occurs, and in the Google Play Store, where app developers face restricted payment options. Google is required to implement changes within 60 days, ensuring fair competition across its services, including its new AI-generated search summaries. Key Infractions and Fines Search Engine (Fine: €460 million): Google systematically prioritized its own comparison services for travel and hospitality over competitors like Skyscanner or Booking.com. Google Play Store (Fine: €430 million): The company technically and contractually prevented developers from informing users about cheaper external purchase options, with fee structures exceeding DMA compliance. Implications and Responses Required Adjustments: Google must treat competing services with parity in search results and lift restrictions on alternative payment methods within the Play Store. Google's Stance: Kent Walker, a senior Google executive, argued the ruling harms consumers and European businesses by forcing products to degrade rather than fostering genuine competition. Political Context: The fine represents only 0.22% of Google’s annual global revenue, leading some EU lawmakers to criticize the penalty as disproportionately low. Meanwhile, tensions persist between the EU and the U.S., with Washington officials previously labeling the DMA a "trade barrier."
netzpolitik.org · 2 weeks ago
Internet & Platforms
Ariana Basciani: “The Internet is Ceasing to Have Meaning”
The internet has evolved from a space for discovery and diversity into a uniform environment controlled by algorithms. The decline of critical thinking and the homogenization of content represent a cultural and democratic crisis rather than just a technical one. Preserving the human capacity to doubt, imagine, and disagree is more vital than merely developing more powerful AI. The Crisis of the Internet While the early internet invited exploration, current platforms turn attention into the primary commodity of the 21st century by feeding users what algorithms predict they will like. Despite a massive surplus of images, text, and opinions, content has become increasingly homogeneous in format and substance. Algorithms dictate what users remember, forget, and discuss, effectively conditioning societal discourse and imagination. Power and Societal Impact Behind every algorithm lie global corporations with significant economic interests focused on capturing every second of user attention. During crises—such as the recent earthquakes in Venezuela—the internet serves as a dual tool, facilitating both genuine human solidarity and the rapid spread of disinformation. The erosion of trust in traditional institutions and public debate indicates that this is a crisis of democracy as much as one of technology. Resistance and Alternatives Cultivating spaces for critical thinking is an act of practical resistance against digital uniformity. Independent media outlets are positioned to help recover an ethical internet, where reading can be slow, debate is free from insults, and discovery is not dictated by algorithmic paths. The future of the digital ecosystem depends less on the advancement of artificial intelligence and more on the preservation of a uniquely human intelligence that remains capable of questioning the status quo.
La Marea · 2 weeks ago
Internet & Platforms
Ariana Basciani: "The Internet is Losing Its Meaning"
The internet has shifted from a space of diversity and serendipitous discovery to a controlled environment dominated by algorithmic homogenization. While humanity produces unprecedented amounts of content, the internet is suffering from a crisis of meaning and a decline in critical thinking. Algorithms and large global platforms have transformed human attention into the primary commodity of the 21st century. A Crisis Beyond Technology Technologist and researcher Ariana Basciani argues that the current internet crisis is not just technological, but deeply cultural, political, and democratic. Algorithms dictate what we notice, remember, and debate, thereby influencing not only our consumption habits but the limits of our political imagination. The Role of AI and Homogenization Artificial intelligence accelerates the homogenization process already set in motion by major digital platforms. Instead of discovering new ideas, users are increasingly fed variations of content that algorithms already know they will enjoy, reducing the internet to a mirror of pre-approved interests. Democratic Implications and Resistance The erosion of trust in traditional media and public institutions coincides with the rapid, algorithm-driven circulation of information. Recovering space for critical thought and slow, intentional engagement is framed as an act of practical resistance. The future of the digital landscape may depend less on building more powerful AI and more on preserving the human capacity to doubt, imagine, and disagree.
La Marea · 2 weeks ago
Internet & Platforms
The Effectiveness of the Digital Services Act vs. Mandatory Age Verification
The European Commission is preparing legislation for a mandatory "minimum age" for a wide range of digital services, potentially barring children under 13. Experts warn that age verification technology poses significant risks to privacy, data security, and fundamental rights, essentially serving as a mass surveillance infrastructure. Regulators are increasingly looking toward the Digital Services Act (DSA) to force platforms to disable addictive design features rather than relying on blanket age-based restrictions. The Problem with Age Verification European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen plans to introduce a bill targeting "Social Media Plus," which could encompass messengers, online games, and AI systems. While expert committees suggest tiered approaches—such as supervised internet use for ages 3–13—any mandatory verification system creates a "control first" architecture that threatens the anonymity of all users. Experts strongly criticize technologies like the "Mini-Wallet" or biometric age estimation, noting that they fail to offer secure, decentralized verification without compromising personal data. Platform Regulation as an Alternative Age restrictions are criticized by child protection advocates as ineffective, shifting the focus away from the platforms' own business models. The EU Commission has made progress in its investigation into Meta, preliminarily finding that addictive features like endless feeds, autoplay, and highly personalized recommendations violate the DSA. The Commission is demanding that these features be disabled, arguing that platforms failed to mitigate the negative impacts of their design on young users. The recent compliance of X (formerly Twitter) with EU demands demonstrates that the DSA is a powerful tool to hold large tech companies accountable without imposing massive restrictions on user rights.
netzpolitik.org · 3 weeks ago
Internet & Platforms
European Court Rules Apple Must Adhere to Interoperability Requirements
The EU General Court has ruled against Apple, upholding its obligations under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) to ensure interoperability. The decision expands choices for developers regarding app distribution and grants European users broader options for obtaining applications outside of Apple's ecosystem. Apple's arguments for exemption—citing security concerns and challenges to its 'gatekeeper' designation—were rejected by the court. Key Legal Arguments and Rulings Gatekeeper Designation: Apple claimed that DMA Article 6(7) (interoperability) violated its property rights, but the court ruled that this article does not form the basis of its gatekeeper status. Core Platform Services (CPS): Apple argued that its various app stores do not constitute a single platform. The court rejected this, noting that all versions serve the same fundamental purpose: intermediating between end users and business users. iMessage Status: The court dismissed Apple’s challenge regarding its iMessage classification as a number-independent interpersonal communication service (NIICS), as it is currently not designated as an "important gateway" and faces no immediate binding legal effects. Implications The ruling emphasizes that interoperability and security are not inherently conflicting; secure systems can be built with interoperability in mind if designed correctly from the outset. This precedent is viewed as a significant victory for digital competition in Europe, establishing a foundational model for openness that other regions may follow.
EFF Deeplinks · 3 weeks ago
Internet & Platforms
European Commission Rejects Social Networking Interoperability Mandate
The European Commission has decided not to extend the Digital Markets Act (DMA) interoperability mandate to social networking platforms. Officials claim there is "no clear demand" for such features and cite excessive technical complexity as a primary barrier. Critics argue this decision entrenches Big Tech incumbents and undermines the DMA's goal of fostering user freedom and competition. Major platforms continue to resist compliance, with companies like Apple and Meta creating obstacles despite the regulation's intent. Implications of the Decision Interoperability would allow users to switch platforms while maintaining connections with friends and communities on larger networks. Without this mandate, users remain locked into specific platforms, unable to migrate without losing their social relationships. The decision disregards existing, proven decentralized models like ActivityPub and Mastodon, which demonstrate that social interoperability is technically feasible. Resistance from Big Tech Apple: Imposes "junk fees" and onerous terms on rival app stores, rendering them effectively unusable. Meta: Implements "pay for privacy" schemes that force users to choose between paying for service or consenting to surveillance. The Commission's "wait-and-see" approach leaves these anti-competitive practices largely unchecked, forcing users to wait for potential future regulations like the EU Digital Fairness Act.
EFF Deeplinks · 4 weeks ago
Internet & Platforms
Google's New Remote Attestation Scheme: A Threat to Open Android
Google's new "reCAPTCHA Mobile Verification" uses device hardware to identify software environments, enabling companies to block "de-googled" Android users. This "remote attestation" mechanism mirrors the controversial Web Environment Integrity (WEI) project, effectively acting as a digital gatekeeper against privacy-focused users. By leveraging TPM (Trusted Platform Module) or secure enclaves, Google allows servers to demand device configuration details, compromising user agency and privacy. The Erosion of User Agency Web browsers traditionally serve as "user agents," allowing users to block ads, trackers, and autoplay media to protect their preferences and privacy. Google's shift toward platform-level lockdown undermines this open-web model, transforming devices into tools that report back to corporate servers instead of solely serving the user. Forced compliance with hardware-level reporting threatens accessibility tools, such as those used by people with photosensitive epilepsy to reformat pages. Antitrust and Data Concerns Google faces multiple federal antitrust losses for monopolistic practices, including illegal tying arrangements and anti-competitive deals with hardware vendors. Privacy-conscious users turn to "de-googled" Android operating systems like CalyxOS, PureOS, and Graphene to escape the company's persistent data harvesting, which pulses every five minutes. There is significant risk that these technical lockdowns will facilitate state surveillance, as government agencies have previously leveraged Google's data to track protesters and migrants. Implications By standardizing "remote attestation," Google aims to replicate the restrictive, walled-garden environment of native apps on the open web. This move guarantees a future where users lose the ability to counter intrusive server-side demands, leading to a degraded digital experience flooded with mandatory ads and tracking.
EFF Deeplinks · 4 weeks ago
Internet & Platforms
EFF and Allies Urge FTC to Reject X Corp.'s Bid to End Privacy Oversight
EFF and allied civil society groups are urging the FTC to reject X Corp.’s petition to set aside or modify a 2022 privacy consent decree. The 2022 order mandates regular reporting on data security following violations involving the misuse of private contact information for targeted advertising. X argues that structural changes, new leadership, and a focus on AI innovation justify terminating the oversight, but critics emphasize that FTC orders bind the corporate entity, not specific personnel. Background and Context The current order is a renewal of a 2011 settlement reached by Twitter (now X) after failing to secure user data against hackers. The 2022 renewal extended reporting requirements until 2042. X’s petition claims the company has undergone a "fundamental change" in its privacy philosophy. Counterarguments to X’s Petition Ongoing Risks: EFF highlights that X recently integrated its Grok AI model in 2024 using user data without meaningful consent, and the platform suffered a major data breach in 2025. AI Innovation: X claims that compliance "diverts engineering resources" from AI, but the EFF argues that AI training introduces new risks of secondary data misuse, such as prompt-based data recovery. Financial Burden: The argument that compliance is too costly is dismissed by the EFF, which notes that such costs are negligible compared to the $200 billion valuation of X Corp. following the xAI merger. Involved Parties Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) Demand Progress Education Fund (DPEF) National Consumers League (NCL) Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC)
EFF Deeplinks · 1 month ago
Internet & Platforms
Reclaiming Your Feed: How to Use RSS to Escape Algorithmic Control
RSS (Really Simple Syndication) allows users to reclaim control over their digital feeds by aggregating content from various websites into a single, chronological, and non-algorithmic interface. It acts as an "internet-wide follow button," enabling users to track news sites, blogs, podcasts, social media profiles, and government updates without relying on centralized platform feeds. The technology is platform-agnostic, meaning users can switch between different RSS readers (like Feedly, NewsBlur, or NetNewsWire) by importing and exporting subscription lists. Getting Started with RSS Select a Reader: Choose from web-based services like Feedly or NewsBlur, or app-based readers like NetNewsWire. Add Feeds: Simply input the URL of a website into the reader; most modern readers automatically detect available RSS feeds. Organize: Use folders to group related content and apply filters to remove unwanted items, such as sponsored posts. Why Use RSS for News and Social Media Reliability: RSS avoids the frustration of algorithmically curated feeds, ensuring you don't miss content from respected publications. Privacy: Consuming content within an RSS reader avoids tracking often associated with visiting publisher sites directly. Decentralization: Platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky support RSS, allowing users to follow specific accounts without needing to maintain personal accounts on those services. Information Access: RSS provides a way to bypass "walled gardens" like Facebook or Instagram, which increasingly restrict access to public information behind account login screens. Finding Hidden Feeds Many platforms, including shopping sites (like Big Cartel), newsletter platforms (Substack, Ghost), and government portals, natively support RSS. Users can even turn Google Alerts into RSS feeds for specific tracking. For websites lacking native support, third-party tools such as RSSHub, RSS-Bridge, or RSS.app can generate feeds, though these may require technical setup or subscription fees.
EFF Deeplinks · 1 month ago
Internet & Platforms
Could Social Media Affect Our Sense of Identity?
Research suggests long-term Instagram use may influence how individuals experience their identity and distinguish themselves from others. A study by the Humane Technology Lab (HTLab) found that chronic Instagram users show increased susceptibility to blurring the lines between their own face and that of a stranger in virtual reality. The "Digital Erosion of Bodily Identity Hypothesis" proposes that constant exposure to curated digital representations may weaken the integration of internal bodily signals with external self-perception. The Neurobiology of Identity Bodily identity relies on the brain's integration of internal signals (heartbeat, posture) and external information. Disruption of this integration leads to a heavier reliance on external feedback, such as social media engagement or photographic appearance, which is linked to conditions like eating disorders. Adolescence is a critical period for developing identity, yet today's youth navigate this phase through screens and mediated self-presentation. Research Findings on Facial Identity Researchers at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart used virtual reality illusions to test identity stability, specifically focusing on the face. Participants were subjected to synchronized sensory stimulation while observing a stranger's face. Results showed that participants with more years of Instagram usage were significantly more likely to perceive the stranger's face as their own. This indicates that long-term social media usage may make facial self-representation more "plastic" or malleable. Implications and Future Research The study does not prove social media causes identity loss, but it raises questions about how digital personas impact self-perception. Children are increasingly exposed to appearance-based platforms at younger ages, often before their sense of self is fully established. Further research is required to determine whether these digital adaptations represent a new normal or potential psychological risk for future generations.
360info · 1 month ago
Internet & Platforms
Ethiopian creator Boni’s death sparks debate on platform accountability
Boni, a popular Ethiopian content creator who produced videos in Afan Oromo, died by suicide on April 29, 2026. Before her death, she experienced recurring online harassment on TikTok, including content that violated the platform's hate speech policies. Despite posting warning signals on Facebook and TikTok, both platforms' automated moderation systems failed to detect or intervene in time. While TikTok removed her final videos post-mortem, they remain accessible through reposts and stitches, and Meta has kept her content live on Facebook. Platform Failures and Policy Gaps Both TikTok and Meta market robust, multilingual AI moderation as a core capability, yet these systems failed to flag clear indicators of crisis. TikTok’s failure to act on documented harassment—where other creators explicitly wished for her death and miscarriage—left a vulnerable user exposed. The "industrial hash-matching" technology, typically used to block copyrighted music or terrorism content, was not effectively applied to prevent the viral spread of Boni’s final moments. Meta’s refusal to remove the content from Facebook contradicts its own Community Standards regarding self-injury and suicide. The Misplaced Debate in Ethiopia Public discourse among Ethiopian creators has largely focused on "toxic" audience behavior, bullying, and jealousy, while ignoring the role of the platforms themselves. Platforms are not neutral conduits; they are active agents that choose which behaviors to monetize and amplify via their recommendation algorithms. The current debate overlooks the fact that platforms are actively harvesting attention in Ethiopia without investing in adequate, localized moderation pipelines. Resource for Support If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. You can find international support resources at Befrienders.org.
Global Voices · 3 months ago
Internet & Platforms
Indonesia and the Politics of Platform Governance
Indonesia is intensifying efforts to regulate global social media platforms, citing the need to combat misinformation and disinformation under the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (UU ITE). Government interventions include mandatory registration as Electronic System Operators (PSE), content removal orders via the SAMAN system, and pressure to provide user data during protests. Experts warn that vague regulatory language regarding "harmful content" risks suppressing dissent and violating rights to information, echoing historical state control over traditional media. Regional examples from Cambodia and Myanmar highlight that platform governance is a complex negotiation between government demands, corporate algorithms, and geopolitical pressures. Regulatory Framework and Enforcement In March 2026, the Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, inspected Meta’s office to demand greater compliance and algorithmic transparency. Under the 2020 PSE regulations, firms failing to register risk fines or blocking by ISPs; platforms like Wikimedia have faced access restrictions for non-compliance. The SAMAN system enables the government to force platforms to remove content within 4–24 hours, with potential fines reaching 500 million IDR (over USD 29,000) per violation. Concerns persist regarding "mission creep," where authorities allegedly request data on users monetizing livestreams or target content critical of government actions, such as reporting on 1998 riots or environmental issues. Historical Context and Media Control Current platform regulation mirrors the pre-Reformasi era, where state oversight and licensing limited journalistic autonomy. Modern media ownership in Indonesia remains concentrated among a small group of conglomerates, creating a "media oligarchy" that influences political coverage during electoral cycles, as seen in the support patterns of networks like Metro TV and TVOne. Comparative Regional Dynamics Cambodia: Prime Minister Hun Sen used threats against political opponents on Facebook; the Meta Oversight Board recommended a suspension, leading to a standoff where Meta complied with the video removal but avoided a full account suspension to maintain presence. Myanmar: Facebook was criticized for failing to moderate hate speech against the Rohingya; despite legal barriers like Section 230 in the US, the resulting reputational and regulatory pressure forced the company to reform its content moderation policies. Platform-government relationships are rarely unidirectional; they involve a balance of legal, regulatory, and reputational risks for corporations against the enforcement power of sovereign states.
Global Voices · 4 months ago
Internet & Platforms
Mexican Government Partially Lifts Ban on Tor Network Access
The Mexican government has partially lifted a long-standing block on accessing federal websites via the Tor network, a tool used for secure browsing and anonymity. While access to the primary portal 'gob.mx' has been restored, some subdomains and specific platforms, such as the open data site and the new whistleblower portal, remain inaccessible to Tor users. Mexico has an estimated 20,000 active Tor users who rely on the network to bypass surveillance and censorship. Historical Context of the Block For over a decade across multiple administrations, at least 21 government agencies blocked traffic originating from the Tor network. The administration of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (2018–2024) publicly acknowledged the blockage, citing security risks and the inability to distinguish between legitimate users and automated malicious traffic. Despite these security claims, the Tor Project argues that blocking entire network sections is an outdated practice that ignores modern methods of mitigating threats like DoS attacks without isolating users. Regulatory Contradictions Previously, the government established a regulatory framework to protect whistleblower anonymity, even creating a dedicated Tor-based mailbox under the Ministry of the Civil Service. The current whistleblower platform, SIDEC, has replaced the older system but does not support Tor connectivity, effectively reversing previous efforts to guarantee anonymous reporting. Current Policy Shift On May 6, 2025, the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo stated it has no policy or documented justification for blocking Tor access to 'gob.mx'. Monitoring confirmed that the block was lifted on July 5, 2025, allowing general access to government services. Despite this, 'datos.gob.mx' continues to restrict Tor traffic, maintaining a inconsistent landscape for digital access and transparency.
Global Voices · 5 months ago
Internet & Platforms
How Europe's Far-Right Uses Social Media for Radicalization
Social media platforms are being weaponized by extremist movements in Italy, France, and Germany for radicalization and recruitment. Research shows that 86% of arrested far-right militants in Italy maintain an active online presence, with Telegram acting as the primary hub for extremist activities. Extremists employ a multi-platform strategy, using viral-friendly apps like TikTok to funnel new recruits into more private, organized spaces like Telegram and Discord. Platform Dynamics Telegram: Remains the preferred choice for propaganda and organizing operational cells due to perceived security and effective communication. TikTok: Serves as a gateway for reaching a wider audience and targeting younger demographics. Discord: Exploits gaming communities and anonymity to groom recruits through private chat functions. Notable Cases and Trends France: Authorities arrested a suspected neo-Nazi in July 2024 who used digital apps to incite attacks against the Olympic torch relay. Germany: Members of the “Reichsbürger” movement were found using online platforms to acquire resources and coordinate subversive initiatives. Italy: A study of 21 arrests between Jan 2024 and July 2025 found that 89.5% of subjects used Telegram, while 5.3% used TikTok and 5.2% used Discord. Challenges for Detection Fragmented Ecosystems: By combining different platforms, extremist groups can evade moderation, making it harder for authorities to track their activities. Adaptive Tactics: Extremists design communication strategies tailored to each platform, effectively countering efforts to monitor their reach. Mitigation Measures: Combating radicalization requires a combination of strict regulations on encrypted channels, algorithm transparency, and improved digital literacy for younger users.
360info · 10 months ago

Internet & Platforms

Community-Led Connectivity: Global Initiatives and Progress in 2026

Communities across Africa, Asia, and Latin America are designing and implementing their own connectivity solutions, proving that inclusive and sustainable access is possible through local ownership. These initiatives emphasize that meaningful connectivity is not just about bandwidth, but about social impact, environmental justice, and economic empowerment. Advocacy efforts are shifting towards policy frameworks that enable grassroots participation and protect territorial sovereignty. Community-Led Initiatives Nigeria: The Kukum Daji community conducted digital literacy training, while the Initiative For Digital Inclusion and Fantsuam Foundation supported infrastructure deployment. Brazil: The "Semeando Redes Resilientes" project launched its first network in Bela Vista, co-developed with local women and youth. Philippines: The Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement and CVISNET Foundation utilized satellite and emergency connectivity to aid farmers and disaster recovery. Kenya: The Oasis Mathare Code Club is empowering young learners, while AFRALTI hosted workshops on Open Fibre Data Standards. South Africa: The Sustainable Connectivity Project in Mpumalanga is providing affordable internet to over 300 households. Paraguay: The NANUM project is connecting over 20 Indigenous communities with resilient, intercultural networks. Argentina: Residents of Santa Rosa de Tasti successfully deployed and are now expanding their own community-led network. Gender and Digital Inclusion Philippines: Women organic farmers in Kayapa are using connectivity to manage farm data and secure economic independence. Indonesia: A report from Aceh highlights how women utilize local networks for disaster resilience and adaptation. Platform development: ICT Watch launched the "Materi Ajar Komunitas Berdaya" platform to provide training on digital entrepreneurship and online safety, focusing on women and marginalized groups. Policy and Regulation South Africa: Regulators are consulting on the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill, specifically looking to enable "use it or share it" spectrum policies. Colombia: The government approved 12 spectrum usage permits, with nine dedicated specifically to community-led connectivity. Regional strategies: Colombia, Nigeria, and the Philippines have launched National Strategies for Community-Centred Connectivity to guide growth through 2027. Research and Resources The ISEA published a policy report, "Beyond bandwidth," documenting the social return on community-led connectivity investments. The ITU launched a Connectivity Planning Platform to help model deployment scenarios. Connect Humanity released an "Alt Funding Field Guide" to help projects secure non-grant investment from sectors like healthcare and education. Upcoming Events and Funding Asia Community-Centered Connectivity Bootcamp: August 6-10, 2026, in Quezon City, Philippines. UNICEF call for interest: Deadline August 7, 2026, to support school connectivity projects. Tribal/Native broadband grants: US NTIA applications are open until September 17, 2026.

APC · 5 days ago

Developers Beware: Ad SDKs Are Exposing User Location Data

Community-Led Connectivity: Global Initiatives and Progress in 2026

DrFed: Simplifying the Fediverse and Enabling Decentralized Governance

EU Commission demands tighter privacy protections for minors on TikTok

EU Imposes €890 Million Fine on Google for DMA Violations

Ariana Basciani: “The Internet is Ceasing to Have Meaning”

Ariana Basciani: "The Internet is Losing Its Meaning"

The Effectiveness of the Digital Services Act vs. Mandatory Age Verification

European Court Rules Apple Must Adhere to Interoperability Requirements

European Commission Rejects Social Networking Interoperability Mandate

Google's New Remote Attestation Scheme: A Threat to Open Android

EFF and Allies Urge FTC to Reject X Corp.'s Bid to End Privacy Oversight

Reclaiming Your Feed: How to Use RSS to Escape Algorithmic Control

Could Social Media Affect Our Sense of Identity?

Ethiopian creator Boni’s death sparks debate on platform accountability

Indonesia and the Politics of Platform Governance

Mexican Government Partially Lifts Ban on Tor Network Access

How Europe's Far-Right Uses Social Media for Radicalization

Developers Beware: Ad SDKs Are Exposing User Location Data

Community-Led Connectivity: Global Initiatives and Progress in 2026

DrFed: Simplifying the Fediverse and Enabling Decentralized Governance

EU Commission demands tighter privacy protections for minors on TikTok

EU Imposes €890 Million Fine on Google for DMA Violations

Ariana Basciani: “The Internet is Ceasing to Have Meaning”

Ariana Basciani: "The Internet is Losing Its Meaning"

The Effectiveness of the Digital Services Act vs. Mandatory Age Verification

European Court Rules Apple Must Adhere to Interoperability Requirements

European Commission Rejects Social Networking Interoperability Mandate

Google's New Remote Attestation Scheme: A Threat to Open Android

EFF and Allies Urge FTC to Reject X Corp.'s Bid to End Privacy Oversight

Reclaiming Your Feed: How to Use RSS to Escape Algorithmic Control

Could Social Media Affect Our Sense of Identity?

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