The Morocco Report » When will we fight? On internet censorship…

May 26, 2007

When will we fight? On internet censorship…

Filed under: Culture, Press Freedom, Maghreb Issues, Internet censorship — taamarbuuta @ 1:56 pm

This morning, I signed into Google Reader and saw that netdur had posted “YouTube blocked in Morocco?” A quick little check, and I confirmed it…YouTube is indeed blocked here, adding to a list that already includes Livejournal, Google Earth and any sites about the Western Sahara (although a few in English have slipped through).

What I want to know, however, is why no one is speaking out about this? Out of the over 40 Morocco-based blogs I read, only five or six have even mentioned these facts. Is it that the internet, without which your blogs wouldn’t exist, just isn’t important? Or is it that you don’t feel that you can do anything, so you keep mum?

And as Everything Morocco pointed out, this problem is not unique to Morocco. As The Enquirer says “China, Iran, Syria, Tunisia, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Oman and Pakistan censor anything that moves or jiggles.”

Personally, I have no idea what we can do, but I know that keeping quiet won’t help. Morocco bloggers, join me in speaking out against internet censorship.

–It appears that A Moroccan in Washington D.C. also posted about this early this morning.

45 Responses to “When will we fight? On internet censorship…”

Everything Morocco Says:
May 26th, 2007 at 2:23 pm
Once again we are ALL being punished for what a few people are doing. You Tube has some great Morocco videos and some good music videos too. It’s too bad we can’t access it now, but I doubt saying anything will get it unblocked. Sad but true. And this kind of censorship isn’t just in Morocco either.
taamarbuuta Says:
May 26th, 2007 at 2:28 pm
Of course, but NOT saying anything will certainly get us nowhere.

And actually, I think I disagree. There was a Bangladeshi blogger arrested last month who was released after 24 hours because of blogger activism and protests. In this age of citizen journalism, anything is possible.
Youssef Says:
May 26th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
Its not totally clear to me whats happening

On the Casafree forums and according to “Moroccan in Washington DC” only MarocTelecom/AIM has blocked youtube. People who have WANA can still access youtube.

I know somebody who has a WANA connection and I mailed him and asked him if he got access. But I guess he’s still sleeping
Youssef Says:
May 26th, 2007 at 2:33 pm
Oh again.

Its still not clear to me whats happening.

According to the Casafree-forums and “A Moroccan in Washington DC” önly Maroc Telecom has blocked access. People who have WANA can still access the site.
Thats the weirdest thing.

I know somebody who has a WANA connection and I mailed him to see if he has access. But he didnt reply yet
Youssef Says:
May 26th, 2007 at 2:34 pm
That “oh again” part was ment as “oh no my comment disappeared because of my fatty fingers”
taamarbuuta Says:
May 26th, 2007 at 2:41 pm
Hm, I don’t know anyone in Meknes with WANA - I’ll ask around this afternoon at school.
Youssef Says:
May 26th, 2007 at 2:52 pm
But about Moroccans being passive towards censorship.
I think they’re passive because the whole idea of internet-activism isn’t full grown in Morocco

Other kinds of activism are more “mainstream” now in Morocco. I mean look at all the activist-groups and NGO’s.
Internet and the ideas surrounding it are in Morocco is still not widespread
taamarbuuta Says:
May 26th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Oh I know, but I’m talking about Moroccan bloggers specifically. There’s at least 30 just on my blogroll, they’ve got to be paying attention.

You’re right, it just surprises me, given the number of Moroccans who USE YouTube, that so few would think to do something.
Youssef Says:
May 26th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
Yeah ok, bloggers specifically is kind of disappointing.
When Nichane got in trouble, the blogoma was in a state of uproar.

Maybe you’re right and the bloggers have the same syndrome as the rest of the population. A feeling that the internet isn’t important.

Or maybe there is collective laziness (affecting me as well) regarding activism.
Myrtus Says:
May 26th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
While I’m strictly against censorship to silence free speech, personally I can totally imagine why anyone would block You Tube for safety reasons. It’s a perfect medium to pass on any type of information either to influence the masses or to speak in code. While most of us go there for entertainment purposes, there are plenty of political organizations who use it solely for advancing their own political agendas. Who’s to say that terrorist organizations aren’t using it to communicate out there in plain daylight and we don’t even know it.
Youssef Says:
May 26th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
But Myrtus,

Youtube deletes hate-videos on their site (I guess that terrorist-videos are qualified as hate-videos as well)
And blocking Youtube only because there are some hate-videos on it, is useless. It means that the government doesn’t understand how the internet works.
The videos will simply show up elsewhere within a fraction of a second.
Its a useless fight.
Rachel Says:
May 26th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
Yeah, blocking YouTube is a great idea. We don’t want anymore Moroccan Terrorists! Since you know, Moroccans are so gullible.

Man, I don’t know what I’d do if youtube was blocked here lol
xoussef Says:
May 26th, 2007 at 7:23 pm
i couldn’t access my youtube account since yesterday but i thought it was in maintenance or my firewall blocking it!!
that’s the stupidest thing ever!!! youtube?! and why not dailymotion ?!
They must have did that because of the rise of Sahrawi propaganda videos on youtube, nothing to do with terrorism. otherwise they must also forbid satellite dishes, cut phones, and shut down post offices too.
heatherf Says:
May 26th, 2007 at 8:10 pm
I know some teenagers that will be very upset!
taamarbuuta Says:
May 26th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
I’m sure it’s either that or Al Adl wa al Ihsane, but it still seems ridiculous. And I don’t know about YouTube, but sites like MySpace (not yet banned here) censor a lot on their own. Even Ron Paul (a US pres. candidate) is a target.

I just don’t think it’s a government’s place.
adilski Says:
May 26th, 2007 at 11:08 pm
It’s quite disappointing that there are decision makers in Morocco who think filtering websites are a great idea.Actually,they are only doing free and unwanted propaganda to the same subjetcs they are trying to repress.Apparenlty, this has been prompted by a video that appeared on the 20th of May.
WANA is a small time operator so far and has a small clientele base.Also,it might be that WANA is not present in the southern provinces supposing the block’s primary target are Sahrawis.
adilski Says:
May 26th, 2007 at 11:09 pm
By the way, By Monday we will be able to see what Morocco-based bloggers have to say since many of them blog from their work places
heatherf Says:
May 27th, 2007 at 10:03 am
Well this morning it looks like things have got worse and that all blogspot blogs are now blocked. I could not access “The View from Fez”, “Cat in Rabat”, my blog or my Australian friend’s blog who lives in Australia. It seems only those, such as yours, on other sites are accessible.
Everything Morocco Says:
May 27th, 2007 at 10:12 am
Both Youssef and Myrtus in comments 10 and 11 make a lot of good points about the pros and cons of censoring the internet. There is a lot of trash and objectionable, even dangerous material getting posted. I saw a hate video on You Tube that was shocking in the level of ignorance and hostility, but as I said we are all being punished for what a few people are doing and yes, some people are so stupid it is the only way to prevent them from being sucked into an agenda they don’t understand.

Censorship isn’t the answer to eliminating the problem but it’s the simplest method of controlling it/us and government is famous for going for the lowest common denominator and the least thought/work intensive means of problem solving.
trevor@kalebeul Says:
May 27th, 2007 at 10:27 am
How do you expect the rest of the world to attack Moroccan censorship when half your commenters seem to think it’s actually a pretty good idea?
taamarbuuta Says:
May 27th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
How can any of you possibly see censorship as a positive ideal? I don’t believe in censorship in any form - and regardless of what they ban, at this point, all information will find a way of coming about, as Youssef said.
taamarbuuta Says:
May 27th, 2007 at 3:14 pm
@Heather - temporary glitch, my husband has had no problem accessing his blogspot blog today.

@trevor - Half? I see one, maybe two. Regardless, I don’t understand that either. I don’t believe in censorship at any cost.
Myrtus Says:
May 27th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
All I’m saying is consider the possibility that there might be good reasons why Morocco decides to block You Tube. If it’s done because there is an overabundance of material threatening Morocco’s national security then I’m all for it.
You Tube makes false claims when they say they delete discriminating videos. I find it hard to believe that You Tube has enough manpower to just sit there all day and screen videos for objectionable material in all kinds of different languages and dialects from all over the world. You don’t have to search very long to find that there is still a ton of hateful propaganda on you tube. Here’s just one example that has been there for a couple of months now that continues to incite hatred towards Muslims.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAB90plPqxo

I think before we pass judgement on the Moroccan government and risk sounding like a bunch of kids crying because our toys have been taken away, we should ask them to explain to us why.
If we don’t get a reasonable answer, then by all means, let’s get together and sign a petition demanding accountability, not just from the Moroccan government, but from You Tube as well.
Nicole Says:
May 27th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
In my opinion, I believe the Moroccan government blocked YouTube because of the video “Mohamed 6 le voleur” posted on May 6, 2007. The name of the video translates into the King Mohamed VI is a thief. I must mention that the person that posted this video is not residing in Morocco.

Even though I do not agree with censorship of any kind, I do not think putting a video out there that makes the King look like he is touching others in inappropriate ways is the best way of sending out a political message.

I can’t sit here and judge anybody else’s actions because I don’t know 100% what it’s like to live in Morocco. I do know that life in Morocco is not easy. I’m sure it isn’t easy seeing a King live the high life while his people are struggling to make ends meat.

On the flip side of things, the King has made some wonderful changes for the Moroccan people. One of those changes is the rights of Moroccan women. He created a financial incentive for Moroccans that worked a certain amount of time to retire so that more jobs would be available for the young. He incorporated the teaching of Berber language in the elementary schools.

There are always two sides to everything. I believe the King is trying to make things better for the Moroccan people. It takes a long time for changes to filter down to the average person. Censorship is something we all deal with. Even here in the U.S. we are censored to a certain degree.

I apologized for such a lengthy post. I felt led to express my views on this subject.
Nicole Says:
May 27th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
I apologized if this gets posted twice. I was not sure if it went through the first time.

In my opinion, I believe the Moroccan government blocked YouTube because of the video “Mohamed 6 le voleur” posted on May 6, 2007. The name of the video translates into the King Mohamed VI is a thief. I must mention that the person that posted this video is not residing in Morocco.

Even though I do not agree with censorship of any kind, I do not think putting a video out there that makes the King look like he is touching others in inappropriate ways is the best way of sending out a political message.

I can’t sit here and judge anybody else’s actions because I don’t know 100% what it’s like to live in Morocco. I do know that life in Morocco is not easy. I’m sure it isn’t easy seeing a King live the high life while his people are struggling to make ends meat.

On the flip side of things, the King has made some wonderful changes for the Moroccan people. One of those changes is the rights of Moroccan women. He created a financial incentive for Moroccans that worked a certain amount of time to retire so that more jobs would be available for the young. He incorporated the teaching of Berber language in the elementary schools.

There are always two sides to everything. I believe the King is trying to make things better for the Moroccan people. It takes a long time for changes to filter down to the average person. Censorship is something we all deal with. Even here in the U.S. we are censored to a certain degree.

I apologized for such a lengthy post. I felt led to express my views on this subject.
taamarbuuta Says:
May 27th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
@ Myrtus - I understand what you’re saying - see my next post. I don’t stand for censorship of any kind, even when it involves hate speech. I suppose that’s my American upbringing.

@Nicole - I have nothing against the king either, but just because someone posts some childish video, why do we censor it? People insult Bush on YouTube all the time, and that doesn’t get censored (mind you, I think he’s more deserving - what’s dangerous about censorship is that once we start, it’s a downward spiral.
Nicole Says:
May 27th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
Myrtus:

I can understand why the video offends you and Muslims. However, forcing someone to believe something they do not is wrong. Moroccans do not have any choice when it comes to this. They are told from the time they are born that Islam is the only way. Moroccan’s are not free to act and believe in whatever way they choose. For example, if a Moroccan man went around Morocco saying that he isn’t Muslim and thinks Islam is wrong, he would be punished severely. Is that right? No it isn’t. People should have the freedom to believe whatever they want. Just like people should be free to post anything they want even if it offends you or me.

To taamarbuuta:

I wasn’t saying that Censorship is good nor was I trying to defend the King for censoring YouTube. I was trying to point out that there is always two sides to everything. Personally, I think censorship of any kind is wrong. Look at the United States. The media censors things all the time. They pick and choose what they will allow the public to know. Another example (may sound stupid but it’s the only example I can really think of) is XM Satellite and cable television. I pay for these services. Why should they bleep out words or not show nude scenes just because they don’t feel it’s appropriate? That to me is a form of censorship. I pay for it. I should be allowed the option to turn the channel or watch it instead of them taking that choice away and just censoring what is on it. The U.S. government is slowly trying to get into the American homes and tell us what we can and can’t do. All of that is a form of censorship.
taamarbuuta Says:
May 27th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
Oh, I know the U.S. is doing it too, and it disgusts me, honestly. Our country was based on free speech - it’s the FIRST amendment for chrissake, and yet, it happens there too. Personally, I find it much easier to boycott TV, radio, and American websites there - here, internet is part of my survival strategy
elmahdi oummih Says:
May 27th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
The same climate of fear that exists in the United States exists all over the world now, with the exception of the true democracies in Scandanavia. It is a sad commentary on the state of the world, when free speech is censured. Speaking out is almost a non option since it can have really horrible reprecusions. It is a vert sad world we live in and things are only going to get worse i am afraid.
Global Voices Online » Morocco: YouTube is Blocked, and the Blogoma is Not Happy Says:
May 27th, 2007 at 6:23 pm
[…] be unbalanced reporting not to mention those who considered the other side. A post in my own blog, The Morocco Report urged bloggers to speak out against censorship: “Personally, I have no idea what we can do, […]
elmahdi oummih Says:
May 27th, 2007 at 6:49 pm
Speaking out against censorship is a dangerous thing to do because it places you in the firing line. We have only to look at Egypt where bloggers were sentenced to jail time for expressing their opinions. I believe that the best way to deal with this is to rationally explain the benefits of reversing course on this issue.

Youtube provides Morocco with free advertising. It allows those who are considering Morocco as a vacation destination to preview all of the wonderful things Morocco has to offer. It also allows Moroccans to share with the world some of the things that make Morocco such a beautiful place… our Music, our food, our celebrations. The internet should be a tool that we utilize to spread the word about what is great about Morocco.

Morocco generates a great deal of money from its tourism industry. It is in our interest to be seen. It is also in our interest to be recognized as a country where freedom of speech and association is accepted and democracy promoted.

I am not certain of the reasons for the censoring of YOUTUBE. If the censorship is in the interests of Moroccan National Security or interests it is hard to argue against it, however, if this is just some clerical error, which it very well may be, i hope it gets cleared up real soon. Moroco has seen dramatic improvements in the past few years. I would hate to see any negative press result from a boycott like this.
taamarbuuta Says:
May 27th, 2007 at 6:56 pm
I am aware of the risk I take in speaking out against censorship.

Dramatic improvements, are you kidding? I mean, if you are saying that Morocco has seen dramatic improvements since 1999, okay, but in the past two years, free speech has only gone downhill. Nichane, Aboubakr Jamai, web censorship - Morocco was just named one of the 10 worst “backsliders” in a report by - well, I can’t remember or find the link, but I posted about it - search “backsliders” if you’re interested.

Point being, it’s bound to get worse before it gets better. I don’t care about the reasons behind banning YouTube, and I can only assume they’re as petty as the reasons for arresting Sanaa el-Aji and Driss Ksikes last December.
driss Says:
May 27th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
How to expect moroccans fighting against censorship, while they are now searching in all computer forums how to access still to Youtube and not protesting against the concept of censorship.
Why the governent not block the sex and pornographic website which is not appropriate for the children education than blocking a website for expressing one’s opinion?
note that Youtube is the second google website to be blcoked by Itissalat Almaghreb, so does this have anything with the google company?
elmahdi oummih Says:
May 27th, 2007 at 7:27 pm
Accessing YOUTUBE is pretty easy. You just use a proxy. They have been doing this in Turkey and China for a long time. This is another reason that these type of blockages do not work. The other way is to use WANA or other ISP providers.
taamarbuuta Says:
May 27th, 2007 at 8:10 pm
The only problem with most free proxies is that they don’t allow one to remained logged in - something to do with cookies that I probably don’t fully understand. Therefore, you can shouf YouTube, but you can’t necessarily access your favorites or post videos to your blog (and why would you, if no one can view them?)
elmahdi oummih Says:
May 27th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
thats true, there is a time limit to how long you can view, however, you can purchse cards which are pretty cheap, just 1.5 euro’s per hour. On the other hand most moroccans do not have access to online visa purchases…. there is another way though, you can just change your isp provider to wana. Dont use Tisalat.
Myrtus Says:
May 27th, 2007 at 8:20 pm
Let’s not disregard the fact that You Tube itself has been accused of censorship in so many cases, some of which involved legal entanglement as well. Isn’t it ironic then, how a medium like You Tube is regarded here as practicing “free speech” by broadcasting whatever it wants, but when another medium - Maroc Telecom - chooses to broadcast whatever it wants it is seen as censorship?

I think the most obvious course of action is for those who are not happy with Maroc Telecom to take their business elsewhere by changing providers. I don’t think they’ll be too happy having to lose your business, so you might cause them to rethink their decision to block You Tube.
taamarbuuta Says:
May 27th, 2007 at 8:27 pm
Exactly, Myrtus. I plan to first thing this week. Wish I could change my cell phone provider too, but I don’t know if I can slip out of that contract.
What exactly happened? at Stop the censorship Says:
May 28th, 2007 at 12:45 am
[…] Here are some other posts from the Moroccan blogosphere (the blogoma) concerning the block: The Morocco Report […]
Mideast Youth - Thinking Ahead » Blog Archive » Update on the Youtube-ban Says:
May 28th, 2007 at 1:06 am
[…] reaction from the Moroccan blogosphere is growing slowly. More and more bloggers are posting about the […]
benm Says:
May 30th, 2007 at 12:09 am
Suite au dernier coup de censure de maroc telecom j’ai publié un billet rassemblant différentes solutions pour contourner toute forme de censure sur Internet, comme les trackback ne sont pas activé je laisse le lien en commentaire.

Bonne continuation

http://www.arkius.info/autres/acceder-aux-sites-censures-grace-aux-serveurs-proxy-youtube-pandora-myspace-wikipedia.html
Section News MarocMdina.com » Blog Archive » Maroc youtube est de retour Says:
May 30th, 2007 at 3:34 am
[…] MoroccoSavvy.com: “When will we fight? On internet censorship…“ […]
A Pre-Delegation Re-Delegation Fight at ICANN » Names@Work » Blog Archive Says:
July 1st, 2007 at 6:14 am
[…] certainly not in Western Sahara, where there is no Internet, and hardly at all in Morocco, where everything is censored except sleep-inducing reports on King Mohammed IV’s royal itinerary. The Polisario claim that […]
A Pre-Delegation Re-Delegation Fight at ICANN » Domain Name News Says:
July 1st, 2007 at 1:52 pm
[…] certainly not in Western Sahara, where there is no Internet, and hardly at all in Morocco, where everything is censored except sleep-inducing reports on King Mohammed IV’s royal itinerary. The Polisario claim that […]
Jakob Says:
July 4th, 2007 at 5:29 am
This is exactly what I expected to find out after reading the title . Thanks for informative article

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May 26, 2007

When will we fight? On internet censorship…

45 Responses to “When will we fight? On internet censorship…”

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