Category: Freedom

Google’s China Filter Defeated by Typos

Many of us on the web are aware of Google’s censorship deal with the Chinese Communist Party. The computerized censorship is defeated, however by poor spelling. A misspelled query for “Tienamen Square” will bring up some pictures of tanks, and a search for “Falan Gong” will bring up many stories about the human rights abuses suffered by practitioners of Falun Gong in China.

Will the holes in Google’s filters remain unplugged?

Nettwerk says NO to RIAA

Nettwerk Music Group has decided to defend a 15-year-old girl from the Recording Industry Association of America. The teen has been sued by the RIAA for downloading a variety of songs, including one aptly titled “Download this song.”

In a press release from Nettwerk, the CEO said “Suing music fans is not the solution, it’s the problem.”

Good for Nettwerk, a company based in Vancouver, for defending our ability to listen to songs that they want us to listen to.

Bolivia’s new Presdient Promises Reform

Bolivia’s first indigenous president, Evo Morales, has announced that he aims to reform the way that the government deals with the indigenous population.

“From 500 years of resistance we pass to another 500 years in power. We’re going to put an end to injustice, to inequality.” Morales said.

According to CBC.ca “Tens of thousands of Bolivians – led by Indians in traditional garb – gathered in a square outside the legislature, cheering and chanting “Evo, Evo.””

Thanks, Justin!

Bolivia vs. Bechtel

BechtelJim Shultz, from The Democracy Center brought good news today.

“This morning, the Bechtel Corporation will sign an agreement dropping its $50 million legal case against the people of Cochabamba (Bolivia) for kicking Bechtel out in the 2000 water revolt” said Shultz. “Instead of the fortune it demanded, Bechtel will fly home with a token settlement of two shiny Bolivian coins worth a total of thirty cents. One of the biggest, most powerful corporations on Earth has been defeated by an army of concerned citizens all over the world.”

Good for the people of Bolivia!!

For more information on this, check out democracyctr.org and boliviasoberana.org (in Spanish). For more information on privatization of water around the world, go to waternotforsale.org