FYI -- World Issues Forum: "Is Internet a vector of freedom or an instrument of repression? Lessons from the Arab Spring, China, Mexico, the USA"

Shirley Osterhaus Sent: Friday, May 18, 2012 7:25 AM To: ; Attachments: 5-23.pdf‎ (238 KB‎)[Open as Web Page]

We are delighted to have Delphine Halgand, Washington DC Director of Reporters without Border, as our final speaker for the Spring World Issues Forum.  Please help spread the word on this important topic: “Is internet a vector of freedom or an instrument of repression? Lessons from the Arab Spring, China, Mexico, the USA.” Wednesday, May 23, Noon-1:20pm, Fairhaven College Auditorium                                      7:00-9:00 AW 210 (Sponsored by AS Social Issues Resource Center) The fight for online freedom of expression is more essential than ever. The Arab Spring has clearly shown that the Internet is a vehicle for freedom. In countries where the traditional media are controlled by the government, the only independent news and information are to be found on the Internet, which has become a forum for discussion and a refuge for those who want to express their views freely. However, governments are realizing this and are trying to control the Internet and stepping up surveillance of Internet users. Netizens are being targeted by government reprisals. More than 120 of them are currently detained for expressing their views freely online, mainly in China, Iran and Vietnam. (Co-sponsors:  Fairhaven College and Reporters without Borders) Delphine Hagland, Washington DC Director, Reporters Without Borders. In Washington, DC since December 2011, Delphine  runs the US activities for the organization and advocates for journalists, bloggers and media rights worldwide. Previously, she worked for two years as a Press attaché in charge of the outreach at the French Embassy in Washington DC. Since graduating from Sciences Po Paris with a M.A. in Journalism, Delphine has been working as an economic journalist for various French media, focusing mainly on international politics and macroeconomic issues.   Reporters Without Borders was created in 1985 to defend journalists and media rights worldwide. It is a non-profit organization based in Paris, with more than 150 correspondents on the ground and a dozen offices abroad, including in Washington D.C.