Illinois set to become first U.S. state to end book bans
Governor Pritzker is expected to sign a bill that would block essential state funding for public libraries and public schools in Illinois that ban books.
Free speech & censorship
United Arab Emirates permanently stops censoring films
For decades, as with many Islamic countries, cinemas in the Middle Eastern country have been censored to prevent viewers from watching scenes involving nudity, homosexuality, sex, and other content deemed inappropriate by the government and religious leaders.
Kuwait relaxes book censorship laws
Kuwaiti state media reported that the country’s parliament had voted 40 to nine in favor of lifting the Ministry of Information’s control over books imported into the country. Previously, the ministry had blacklisted more than 4,000 books since 2014.
Telegram pledges to make anti-censorship tools for Iran and China
The encrypted instant messenger Telegram said on Monday it’s ramping up efforts to develop anti-censorship technologies serving users in countries where it is banned or partially blocked, including China and Iran.
Pakistan releases Christian woman sentenced to die for blasphemy
Pakistan’s highest court on Wednesday ordered the release of a Christian woman who had been sentenced to death for blasphemy.