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Get ready to stand up for your right to freedom of expression on World Day Against Cyber Censorship, which falls on March 12! This day was first observed in 2008 by Reporters Without Borders, an international non-profit organization that advocates for freedom of the press. It aims to raise awareness about the growing issue of online censorship and the importance of access to information for a free society. So let's use this day as an opportunity to speak out against any form of censorship and support those who are fighting for internet freedom around the world!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1989</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Invention of the Web</div><div class='timeline-text'>British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web, marking the beginning of the internet as we know it today.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1996</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Communication Decency Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>The US passes the Communication Decency Act, prompting debates on online censorship and Internet freedom.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2006</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Google in China</div><div class='timeline-text'>Google complies with China's online censorship demands, sparking worldwide controversy over internet freedom.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2008</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Cyber Censorship Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>World Day Against Cyber Censorship is first observed by Reporters Without Borders to raise awareness about online censorship.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Arab Spring Uprisings</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Arab Spring uprisings highlight the role of the Internet in mobilizing societal change, but also the risks of cyber censorship...</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Fighting Fake News</div><div class='timeline-text'>The proliferation of "Fake News" prompts new discussions about internet freedom and the role of platforms in moderating content.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Pandemic Information Control</div><div class='timeline-text'>The COVID-19 pandemic prompts unprecedented information control measures online across numerous countries.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spread awareness on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use the power of social media to educate others about cyber censorship and its impact on freedom of speech. Share informative articles, statistics, and personal stories to raise awareness.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a protest or rally</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Join a protest or rally in your area to show your support for free and open access to information online. You can also organize your own event and invite others to participate.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write to government officials</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Write letters or emails to your local and national government representatives expressing your concerns about cyber censorship and advocating for internet freedom. Your voice can make a difference.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a film screening</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a screening of a documentary or movie that highlights the issue of cyber censorship and its effects. This can be a powerful way to start conversations and raise awareness.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support organizations fighting against cyber censorship</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Donate to or volunteer at organizations and initiatives that are actively working towards combating cyber censorship and promoting internet freedom for all.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes free speech and expression</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>World Day Against Cyber Censorship highlights the importance of having unrestricted access to information and the freedom to express one's opinions online. It raises awareness about the dangers of censorship and encourages people to stand up for their right to speak freely.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness about internet censorship</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This day brings attention to the issue of internet censorship, which is a growing concern in many countries around the world. It encourages discussion and action to safeguard access to information and promote transparency in government censorship policies.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It supports freedom of the press</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By promoting an open internet, World Day Against Cyber Censorship also supports independent journalism and investigative reporting. These are crucial elements for holding those in positions of power accountable, and without them, our society would lack an important check against corruption and abuse of power.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-wrapper'><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='fact-content-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Around 4.5 Billion People Use the Internet Worldwide</h3><p class='facts-content'>Out of the 7.8 billion people in the world, almost 4.5 billion are internet users which makes the freedom to access and disseminate information online a crucial issue.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='fact-content-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Over 60 Countries Engage in Some Form of State Censorship</h3><p class='facts-content'>As per a report by Freedom House, more than 60 countries engage in extensive censorship online blocking political, social and cultural content.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='fact-content-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>"Internet Kill Switch" is Not Just a Concept</h3><p class='facts-content'>Some governments have initiated an Internet shutdown or "Internet Kill Switch" during political unrest or social upheaval to prevent access to information and communication tools.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='fact-content-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Artificial Intelligence is Used for Online Censorship</h3><p class='facts-content'>Increasingly, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sophisticated algorithms are being used for real-time censorship of the internet, removing unwanted posts and blocking prohibited websites.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='fact-content-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Censorship Can Restrict Economic Growth</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to Deloitte, internet censorship can lead to economic losses due to reduced business opportunities, hindered innovation and suppressed knowledge transfer.</p></div></div></div>
World Day Against Cyber Censorship is celebrated on March 12 every year. In 2024 World Day Against Cyber Censorship will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Mar 12
Sunday
2024
Mar 12
Tuesday
2025
Mar 12
Wednesday
2026
Mar 12
Thursday
2027
Mar 12
Friday
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