Historical Events tagged with "digital rights"
Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.
TikTok Banned in the United States
In January 2025, the US government officially banned TikTok following the passing of the Protecting American Families Against China Act (PAFACA). This legislative move was primarily driven by national security concerns regarding data privacy and potential foreign influence through the Chinese-owned app. The ban sparked widespread reactions among users, creators, and digital marketers, who heavily relied on the platform for communication and entertainment. Protests erupted, advocating for free expression and digital rights in the wake of this significant policy change.
Continue ReadingMassive Online Protest Against SOPA and PIPA
More than 115,000 websites, including major platforms like Wikipedia and Reddit, engaged in a coordinated online protest against the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect IP Act (PIPA). These platforms temporarily shut down or displayed messages that informed users about the potential threats these laws posed to free speech and internet freedom. The protest aimed to raise awareness among the public and lawmakers regarding the possible consequences of the proposed legislation.
Continue ReadingSupreme Court Strikes Down CDA's Free Speech Limitations
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional provisions of the Communications Decency Act (CDA), asserting that the attempts to regulate online content violated the First Amendment. This landmark decision emerged from cases brought forth by advocacy groups challenging the CDA, which aimed to protect minors from harmful online material. The court found that the law was overly broad and restricted adult access to legal material, thus infringing on free speech rights.
Continue ReadingRaids on Steve Jackson Games Sparks Debate
In March 1990, agents from the United States Secret Service raided the offices of Steve Jackson Games in Austin, Texas, confiscating computer equipment and documents. The raid was part of an investigation into an alleged conspiracy involving the sale of software designed for the unauthorized hacking of phone systems. This action raised significant concerns about civil liberties in the digital age and the boundaries of law enforcement powers in dealing with burgeoning technology, leading to a public outcry and discussions about digital rights and freedoms.
Continue Reading