Social Censorship – Communicate Online https://communicateonline.me Tue, 22 Apr 2025 16:06:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://communicateonline.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Social Censorship – Communicate Online https://communicateonline.me 32 32 UNCENSORED PRESS: THE TYPEWRITER IS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD https://communicateonline.me/news/uncensored-press-the-typewriter-is-mightier-than-the-sword/ Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000 https://communicateonline.me/events-people/uncensored-press-the-typewriter-is-mightier-than-the-sword/ War and survival stories from the Middle East are being systematically erased on social media. Automated algorithms, intended to safeguard users, now flag critical images as “sensitive” or “violating guidelines,” preventing Middle Eastern journalists from sharing the realities of war and conflict. As a result, the Western world is cut off from crucial information, and vital stories remain hidden before they ever reach a global audience.
To counter this suppression, Lebanese daily newspaper Al Joumhouria has launched “Uncensored Press”, calling on the public to sign a petition at uncensored-press.com, urging social media platforms to stop using algorithms as tools for silencing truth.
In an innovative effort to bypass digital censorship, Al Joumhouria collaborated with artist Keira Rathbone to recreate scenes of conflict solely through letters and symbols typed on a typewriter. These intricate, typewritten visuals retain the emotional and journalistic impact of the original images, while escaping automated censorship filters—proving that powerful images can endure when transformed into text. By using the very foundation of journalism—words—they ensure that crucial stories continue to be shared freely.
This campaign has not only allowed the public to see otherwise suppressed images but has also sparked deeper conversations on the ethical consequences of algorithmic censorship. Al Joumhouria’s initiative underscores the resilience of the press and highlights the urgent need for social media platforms to reevaluate their moderation strategies. By bringing these issues into the spotlight, they make a compelling demand that critical stories not be erased under the guise of digital safety.
Ultimately, this project shows that censorship can be circumvented, opening new avenues for journalists and activists to document human rights violations without interference. As the Uncensored Press campaign gathers momentum, its call to action becomes stronger: signing the petition at uncensored-press.com amplifies the movement and increases pressure on social media platforms to guarantee that important stories are seen. By sharing and supporting these typewritten visuals, we can all help ensure that the truth reaches the world.
The press was never meant to be silenced. As long as creative minds continue to challenge the status quo, it never will be. The above image is a mix of the original photo by Bilal Hassan and the Keira Rathbone reinterpretation.

]]> Saudi Arabia Launches Mawthooq Platform for Social Media Advertising https://communicateonline.me/news/saudi-arabia-launches-mawthooq-platform-for-social-media-advertising/ Thu, 04 Aug 2022 14:00:00 +0000 https://communicateonline.me/news/saudi-arabia-launches-mawthooq-platform-for-social-media-advertising/ Amid Saudi Arabia’s ongoing cultural renaissance, the General Commission for Audiovisual Media announced the launch of the Mawthooq platform for social media users.

The license can be availed by visiting the commission's website where people can apply for a license, valid for three years, for 15,000 Saudi riyals ($4,000) provided they adhere to the government's content regulations and use an account registered with the commission. The license allows users to build a personalized user experience while also in compliance with the government’s regulations.

Commenting on the platform, Acting information minister Majid Al Qassabi said the move aims to "regulate the advertising and digital content sector" in the kingdom.

Earlier this year in June, the Commission issued a circular banning non-Saudis from publishing advertisements on social media. The commission noted that the practice of posting ads on social media by those who do not have a license for it is a violation of Saudi Arabia’s Labor Law, as well as the rules for dealing with expatriates. This directive was in line with the tasks entrusted to it as per the Kingdom’s Audiovisual Media Law to control violations with regard to advertising.

The current Saudi legislation counts filming people without their notice or consent, and defamation, of individuals and organizations as violations of the content laws. Following under the direction of the commission and e-commerce council, such acts are considered punishable by law.

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