India on RSF list of digital predators stifling free speech

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KARACHI: To mark the World Day against Cyber-Censorship on March 12 (today), global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has unveiled a list of press freedom’s 20 worst digital predators in 2020, who use digital technology to spy on and harass journalists and thereby jeopardise access to news and information.

According to the Paris-based body, the 20 Digital Predators of Press Freedom represent a clear danger for freedom of opinion and expression, which is guaranteed by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The list is divided into four categories according to the nature of their activities: harassment, state censorship, disinformation or spying and surveillance.

Whether state offshoots, private-sector companies or informal entities, they reflected a reality of power at the end of the 21st century’s second decade, in which investigative reporters and other journalists who caused displeasure risked being the targets of predatory activity by often hidden actors, it said.

Some operate in despotic countries & some are private companies