Qatar govt backs tighter online media codes

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 12 years ago

DOHA: Qatar's government has backed new Internet codes that widen controls over news websites and online commentary after similar clampdowns by other Gulf Arab states.

Western-backed Gulf nations have sharply increased arrests over social media posts on charges that include insulting rulers. Stronger media laws also have been placed in many Gulf countries as officials worry about growing opposition linked to the Arab Spring.

Qatar's measures would give wide leeway to punish websites or social media users for items considered a threat to "state security" or the "general order." It outlaws any news, video or other posts that violate the "sanctity" of a person's private life, even if the report is true.

The official Qatar News Agency said Thursday the draft law now goes to an advisory council for final approval. - AP

Reuters chief Galloni reflects on journalism challenges 2025

December 21, 2025: Reuters Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni reflects on major journalism challenges of 2025, including conflict zone risks, political pressures, and the rise of AI-driven misinformation.

Algeria under scrutiny over imprisonment of French sports reporter

December 21, 2025: The detention of French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes in Algeria highlights growing concerns over press freedom, judicial pressure on reporters, and international calls for his release.

UK editors warn against plan to cut Downing Street briefings

December 20, 2025: UK editors warn that plans to reduce daily Downing Street briefings could weaken press scrutiny and democratic accountability, raising concerns over access and transparency.

How combative videographers are changing protest coverage in Britain

December 18, 2025: Reporting examines how confrontational freelance videographers covering asylum hotel protests are reshaping local news sourcing, safety, and editorial practices in the United Kingdom.

Media-state confrontation over BBC draws global attention

December 18, 2025: The global media spotlight growing political pressure on the BBC, highlighting risks to editorial independence, funding debates, and wider implications for public service journalism worldwide.

RSF finds new Android spyware on detained Belarusian journalist phone

December 18, 2025: RSF and partners say they uncovered a previously undocumented Android spyware, ResidentBat, on a seized phone of a Belarusian journalist, highlighting digital surveillance risks to media.

Yalda Hakim warns of a second deepfake video shared online

December 17, 2025: Journalist Yalda Hakim says a second AI deepfake video falsely portraying her reporting has circulated online, highlighting growing risks of misinformation targeting journalists in Pakistan.

Russia labels Deutsche Welle undesirable in media crackdown

December 16, 2025: Russia has declared German broadcaster Deutsche Welle an undesirable organization, criminalizing cooperation and deepening restrictions on independent media in a widening press freedom crackdown.

Newsroom

Fully funded WPI fellowship accepting 2026 applications

December 21, 2025 Applications are now open for the World Press Institute Fellowship 2026, a fully funded nine-week U.S. journalism program for international journalists. Apply by February 15, 2026.

Bangladesh press freedom remains under strain beyond protests

December 21, 2025 Bangladesh journalists continue to face threats, attacks, and legal pressure beyond protests, raising concerns over newsroom safety, self-censorship, and the future of independent reporting.

Journalism at a crossroads as press freedom erodes in Pakistan

December 21, 2025 Pakistan’s journalism faces growing repression through intimidation, PECA cases, economic pressure, and enforced silences, raising urgent questions about press freedom.

Global bodies condemn attacks on journalists in Bangladesh

December 21, 2025 Global media and diplomatic bodies condemn attacks on journalists in Bangladesh, urging protection for media workers and accountability as concerns grow over press safety and shrinking civic space.

Matiullah Jan calls out journalist unions over cozy ties with authorities

December 20, 2025 Senior journalist Matiullah Jan criticizes journalist union leadership at an Islamabad conference, calling for reform, youth inclusion, and a stronger collective response to Pakistan’s media crisis.