I’m paranoid by nature and I over-react at times. Most of the time I manage to tone it down but since I read the online publishing law yesterday I haven’t been able to sleep.
I wont bother you with what the law states, you can read it yourselves here, and Ahmed’s observations here, and Louai’s analysis of it here.
Now all I can think about is removing every trace of my online presence. If I can be specifically punished for non-specific acts, why risk it? This is scaring the living daylights out of me.
Am I over-reacting? What do you honestly think? What are your concerns? What are you going to do?
Monday, January 03, 2011
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I feel you, sister. This news is really putting me down more and more every day. The reason I feel that way isn't just because I might be punished for something I don't know I'm doing due to this vague law, but because this simply will take all the fun out of blogging. It's like having a grandparent stalking you on Facebook. It just doesn't feel right anymore!
ReplyDeleteI'm really worried about Divan as well. Let's assume that the permit stuff goes well, what if one of the blogs we have featured commits a serious felony of something, can they twist the law around to include our magazine in their drama?!
It's really troubling.
the list is just that, a list.
ReplyDeleteImplementation has been going on for as long as I can remember. (jail time and blocked sites) so what's new?
as for the Magazine, I agree with you Nada, Maybe we will have to get a permit :-/
Hey Asmaa ...
ReplyDeleteI can see where such uncertainty is coming from; the law is presented in a way that leaves a lot to imagination and different interpretations, and you know what ... I think they did it in purpose!
For bloggers in particular, I believe it is more of a message of intimidation. it is like saying "hey ... watch out ... we know what're you doing and we might come to you!" ...
If you're willing to take my advice, just do not allow yourself to be intimidates. The moment you start having double thoughts about what you are going to present in 'YOUR PERSONAL SPACE ON THE INTERNET,' you better shut it down!
I'd like to comment but I need to be registered with the ministry first. Since I'm not Saudi I was denied my application.
ReplyDeleteLet me just say that i am new to reading whats available the Saudi blogging scene. Maybe even too late to add anything substantial but after recently posting in Saad's blog i felt an urge to respond here as well. I have given political advice to people in the past and my recommendation to all of you in the blogging community is to disarm them through hijacking the PR potential of this Law. Right now you have a solid network of influence and your combined public exposure can insure that it remains untouched by any twisting or bending of this law. As i know it this law was established to ward of any extremist propaganda from establishing any more internet power bases. But i understand where your fear is coming from. I can promise you though that if it ever comes to that it will only take enough exposure in the western media and the issue will be dropped.
ReplyDeleteLook i know this is out of nowhere but i truly respect what many of you have done and i feel like it is a matter of solidarity that i should share with you anything that may help including my contacts in the media. I hope to get to know most of the community better in the coming year.