Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Cambodia blocks blogspot

If you are reading this you are probably not in Cambodia.

In a huge step backwards, it appears that the Cambodian government has requested internet providers in Cambodia to block all Google blogspot/blogger sites. This has presumably been done in order to ban one website in particular from Cambodian eyes: KI Media.

KI Media is a largely political, opposition-leaning blog that republishes current news stories regarding Cambodia (that it lifts from other sources) and also publishes various opinion pieces on Cambodia. The Cambodian government has complained of KI Media for years, particularly of late, for what it considers to be KI Media's inflammatory, provocative and insulting language and criticisms of the government and government figures.

Personally, I don't like KI Media. It is, as the government claims, inflammatory, provocative and insulting. I would also add: highly biased, vulgar, often racist and having no regard for copyrights and the intellectual property of others. That said, they are, for better or worse, a member of the online media, and a country which respects freedom of the press would not attempt to censor this political voice. Sadly, it seems that the Cambodian government has done just that.

Cambodia is well advanced of its neighbors with regard to press freedom. All manner of websites are blocked in Vietnam, Thailand and Burma. And their print media is no freer. Cambodia stood apart in Southeast Asia, with completely open and free access to internet and a comparatively good record in regard to the print media as well, especially the English language press. (This is not to say that Cambodia has been a model in this regard. There have been some problems including the occasional intimidation of members of the Cambodian press, threats of blocking interneta controversial film banned from showing, and a recent assault on a Phnom Penh Post photographer covering the Boeung Kak Lake eviction story.) But actually blocking blogs, particularly a political a blog, is a new and very large step backwards for the freedom of speech and press in Cambodia. If it has actually occurred and remains in force, it is likely the beginning of a long a slippery slope of internet censorship in Cambodia.

At this point the internet block has only been partially confirmed and there are varying reports of its extent. Cambodia has several internet providers and some seem to have blocked more than others. For example, as of early this morning Telesurf did not appear to be blocking any websites. Some Online users report that they are unable to access KI Media though other blogspot sites are available. But Ezecom users report that all blogspot websites are inaccessible. I called Online and Ezecom here in Phnom Penh and asked about the rumors of blocked websites. Online said that it had not blocked any websites. But Ezecom informed me that as of today, "the Ministry of Interior has requested all ISP providers in Cambodia to block all of blogspot, (which we have done.)"

UPDATE: 10:10PM, 19/1/11 - The Phnom Penh Post has just reported that government officials are denying that there has been any official order to block blogspot. The Ministry of Post and Telecommunication (MPTC) has denied it categorically. The Ministry of Interior seems less sure. Ezecom, the ISP provider that told me that they received notice from the Ministry of Interior to block blogspot, is now hemming and hawing.

Khmer440 discussion: Blogger barred by RCG

EAS Report

23 comments:

  1. I can't comment on the ISP provider, since I am in a hotel, but the sites are definitely blocked here (though using a VPN solves it quickly).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad to visit your blog. Thanks for great post that you share to us...

      Delete
  2. and despite being in Cambodia with a provider who is blocking blogspot, I'll post a comment.

    ReplyDelete
  3. like the era of Suharto in Indonesia,
    restrict freedom, there is a price to pay,
    This is only a matter of time including China.
    Age can not be combated, an ideal walk
    along with the appropriate

    ReplyDelete
  4. الان لدى شركة البدر الاولى المتخصصة فى تركيب قرميد منازل وعمائر تقدم لكم افضل العروض والخصومات على كافة انواع القرميد تواصلوا معنا الان من خلال زيارة موقعنا الالكترونى
    http://www.brickksa.com/

    ReplyDelete
  5. اعلنت مراكز صيانة جولدي العاليمة انها اكبر مراكز صيانة للاجهزة الكهربائية باعلي جودة .
    https://www.almyaa.com/Goldi-Maintenance/


    ReplyDelete
  6. You have a very good site, well constructed and very interesting i have bookmarked you, hopefully you keep posting new stuff, many thanks
    Cambodia Internet Providers

    ReplyDelete
  7. Explore the spirituality with Travel Tourister by availing Bhutan tour packages including Bhutan Holiday Tour Packages, Family Tour Packages of Bhutan, and pilgrimage package of Bhutan at affordable prices. You can connect us for your international booking at +91 9971482795.

    Bhutan Tour Packages
    Bhutan Honeymoon Tour

    ReplyDelete
  8. Bhutan Weekend Tour - Paro, Thimpu Travel Agents. Call@ 9971482795.
    Bhutan Weekend tour

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dubai Weekend Tour - Dubai Travel Agents. Call@ 9971482795.
    Dubai Weekend Tour

    ReplyDelete
  10. Such a nice information given in this blog...If you are planning for your holiday tours packages,
    char dham tours packages, Car Rental etc. We are Char Dham Tour Operators in Haridwar Leading Travels Company in Haridwar Uttarakhand.We organige Valley of Flower tour in Uttrakhand.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Namaste Dear Valuables Trekkers and Climber Well, Adventure Everest Team is Mainly Organized Peak

    Climbing and Everest Expedition in Nepal and also those where

    are most popular Trekking Route as well. The Basically Everest base camp Trek, Everest

    Chola Pass Trek and Gokyo LakeTrek, Everest Three pass trek, Phaplu to Everest Base Camp and Everest Panorama Trek.

    These trip are most popular and Best Hiking in Nepal. the Trip start from lukla to Lukla or phaplu to all the way

    up everest base camp return to lukla fly back to Kathmandu.
    Adventure Everest Team is local base and Under Nepal government license holder Trekking Agency in Nepal which is more the 20 Years Experienced in

    this tourism industry. Base Full Board Packages Selling and Mostly Organized Peak Climbing Expedition in nepal. The

    Island Peak Climbing, Lobuche

    Peak Climbing, Ramdung Peak Climbing, Amadablam Expedition in nepal. there are not that lead to Adventure type of

    Expedition. we do have Mt Everest Expedition, Lhotse Expedition, Pumori Expedition, Nuptse Expedition, Barutse

    Expedition and Many Others Expedition in Nepal. these all trip are east part of Nepal. Mr Kul Bahadur Tamang run by

    Local Trekking Company in Nepal. as Professional team and Most

    of the Climbing guide are already maded Everest Expedition and over 8000 meters. and license holder Mountain

    Guide. Generarly Mr Kul run Hotel in Dingboche Good luck make happy to all of Clients and combine both Trekking

    Company in Nepal. The main aim is how to make happy all of valuable clients those who are travelling in Nepal.

    Secondary trip selling in Annapurna Region which is most popular trip Annapurna Base Camp Trek, mardi himal trek,

    Annapurna Circuit trek, Manaslu

    Circuit Trek
    , manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, Upper Mustang Trek, Kanchenjunga Trek, Upper Dolpo trek and Rara Lake

    Trek. these trip is South Part of Nepal. Chulu West peak Climbing and Chulu East Peak Climbing is very general and

    Popular Trekking Peak Climbing in Nepal.


    ReplyDelete
  12. Karma Eco Adventure is a leading travel and trekking company based in Kathmandu Nepal. We the team KEA organize trekking, tours and adventure activities activities in Nepal, Ladakh, Bhutan and Tibet.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Well, very clear explanation about this topic, You did a good job and giving us such a useful information that you have shared with us. Thanks for sharing the best and useful information. I am very satisfied with your site and also with your information.
    Regards
    Swot Business promotions
    Our strategic Top SEO services are comprehensive and aimed towards delivering a competitive edge for websites. A higher brand awareness generated by our SMO services empowers business to placement achieve a unique market.
    For More Details visit : www.swotbusiness.com
    We Having a lots of Satisified Customers of Our SEO Services,These following Companies are Getting SEO Services from our Company.
    1) tour OperatorsPhoenix Tours & Travels
    2) Maid Servicesphoenix maid service

    3) Tour OperatorsVinny Tours
    4) Event Planners,Wedding decoratorsSwastika Occasions
    5) Vinny Enterprises
    6) Cochin timbers
    7) Kollam timbers
    8) Dial Phoenix BPO ervices
    9) Top NEET / IIT-JEE Coaching Institutes in Tamilnadu

    ReplyDelete
  14. Himalayan Adventure Treks & Tours invites you to the amazing world of fun, travel, and adventure! Himalayan Adventure Treks & Tours is one of the pioneers of tourism facilitators in Nepal. As such, we have built a foundation of experience and knowledge in this sector. Till this day, we have succeeded to organize and lead incredible tours, treks, peak climbing and mountaineering expeditions for both individual and group travellers in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan.

    Our bond with our clients is based on trust and understanding. We have an amazing team who with their outstanding skills try their best to make your trip the best one of your life. Moreover, we are environmentally and socially committed to remote areas where we currently offer trips and tours supporting innovative sustainable development, preserving cultural heritage, and protecting nature through travel and tourism.
    Himalayan Adventure Treks & Tours has the determination to succeed in not just organizing tours and treks but provide an opportunity for you to create unforgettable memories with nature, friends and family.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I am glad that I saw this post. It is informative blog for us and we need this type of blog thanks for share this blog, Keep posting such instructional blogs and I am looking forward for your future posts.
    Cheap Car Rentals in Islamabad

    ReplyDelete
  16. There's no question that Dubai is one of the most beautiful and exotic destinations in the world and you will get the best Desert safari Dubai packages. With its bustling cityscape and stunning desert landscapes, there's something for everyone in Dubai. If you're planning a trip to this amazing city, be sure to check out our top tips for making your trip easier!

    ReplyDelete
  17. On the night that really matters, you can ride a camel through the desert on a 4-wheeler. The sandy beaches of Dubai are pleasant and you can see a lot of wildlife during your excursions. check the Dubai Desert safari price for booking.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Its really wonderful and watchable. I like to share it with all my friends and hope they will definitely like it.

    ReplyDelete
  19. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete