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Measure internet censorship

221 points · 162 comments · Bluestein

  1. mitxela · · focus · HN ↗
    There's a pretty bad bias problem here because the probe app scans domains that are frequently blocked in dictatorships, but doesn't scan domains that are frequently blocked in "democracies", like Anna's Archive. Then it ends up looking like the dictatorship countries have all the censorship.
    1. qerghnui · · focus · HN ↗
      I would only use the term "censorship" to refer to the prevention of speech based on its content. Content-neutral time, place, and manner restrictions aren't censorship according to the way I use the word, and neither is copyright protection.

      Note that censorship isn't necessarily bad and restrictions on speech that aren't censorship aren't necessarily acceptable. The prohibition on child pornography is censorship but I support it, while I am opposed to IP law in its entirety.

      1. Gathering6678 · · focus · HN ↗
        Anna's Archive is prevented by some countries from visiting because of its (presumably illegal) content. All restrictions are based on its content.
        1. qerghnui · · focus · HN ↗
          Is that in fact the reason? I'm not familiar with what's happening outside the USA.
          1. Gathering6678 · · focus · HN ↗
            See "Spotify lawsuit" in the wikipedia article. Also:

            "In January 2024, Italy's ... ordered major internet service providers (ISPs) in the country to block Anna's Archive due to a copyright complaint..."

            "In March 2024, ... ordered major ISPs in the Netherlands to block Anna's Archive and LibGen due to a request by advocacy group BREIN (which represents the interests of the Dutch entertainment industry)."

            "In December 2024, the UK Publishers Association won an order from the High Court of Justice requiring major ISPs to block Anna's Archive... under section 97A of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act."

            Source: <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;en.wikipedia.org&#x2F;wiki&#x2F;Anna%27s_Archive" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;en.wikipedia.org&#x2F;wiki&#x2F;Anna%27s_Archive

            1. asdfaoeu · · focus · HN ↗
              I don&#x27;t think they are disputing it was blocked more the reason was copyright not other reasons.
              1. ShinyLeftPad · · focus · HN ↗
                Interesting. When will OpenAI and friends be blocked on the same grounds?
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