Latest news & blogs

The Heliopolis State Security Prosecutor today told Alaa his detention will not be renewed. Alaa will now spend at least a day on a tour of police stations, and will likely be interviewed at Lazoghly, the headquarters of the Interior Ministry. But he should be back where he belongs, with Manal, within the next 24-48 hours. Congratulations to Manal and thanks to all who worked on his behalf!

Over-fishing, pollution and climate change are pushing marine areas to the point of no return. The warning comes from the United Nations Environment Programme (Unep) and World Conservation Union (IUCN).

A pan-European drive to use information and communication technologies to help people to overcome economic, social, educational, territorial or disability-related disadvantages has been endorsed by ministers of 34 European countries in Riga (Latvia).

Four mobile handset makers are teaming up with two cellular operators to develop a new Linux software platform for mobile devices. Until now, each handset maker has built its own operating system using the Linux kernel, which has led to a wide variety of implementations in the market. A common platform will allow them to develop new products much faster and cheaper than before.

US politicians have rejected attempts to enshrine the principle of net neutrality in legislation. Some fear the decision will mean net providers start deciding on behalf of customers which websites and services they can visit and use - Save the Internet shows details of the potential threat to Internet freedom.

New Scientist has discovered that Pentagon's National Security Agency is funding research into the mass harvesting of the information that people post about themselves on social networks.

discusses the advent and development of the internet in Iran, censorship and its methods, weblogs and their role in the civil society. The report, published by Iran CSOs Training and Research Center is available in PDF format.

EU ministers have agreed on a European Evidence Warrant (EEW) to speed up cross-border criminal investigations. The agreement enables justice officials to transfer data, documents and objects faster.

The Chinese authorities seem to have stopped blocking access to the international version of Google’s search engine, Google.com. Tests carried out by Reporters Without Borders show that it is again accessible in Beijing and Shanghai.

New laws in Florida will now allow guns in state parks, make it easier for hunters and fishermen to register to vote and make the names of concealed weapons permit holders secret. IANSA has coverage on preparations for the UN Review Conference on Small Arms (RevCon) takes place 26 June - 7 July.