National Security Law Brief

In a statement made earlier today, European Union officials announced their intentions to pressure Iran into ceasing its Internet censorship and jamming of satellite signals. In their statement, EU foreign ministers called for Iranian officials to “put an end to this electronic interference immediately.”

The Iranian government has increased its electronic censorship since last summer, when the country’s disputed national election led to a government crackdown on Internet content as well as heightened surveillance measures. According to statements released by Iranian officials earlier this month, this censorship extends to several government opposition websites supported by American activists.

EU officials hope to highlight the problem of Iranian censorship at the International Telecommunications Union, especially in light of Iran’s desire to “expand its satellite channels network around the world.”

Read more at WSJ.

Continue Reading

The Chinese government recently shut down Black Hawk Safety Net – a website with paid and free-based subscription services which provided its members with training in cyber attacks as well as downloads of malicious software – including Trojan files which can be used to access. compromise, and control other online machines. The website had over 12,000 paying members, as well as 170,000 members using free services, and generated millions in membership fees. This development comes on the heels of a recent falling out between search giant, Google, and the Chinese Government. Last month, Google threatened to pull out of China unless the government loosened its position on internet censorship. Additionally, a recent computer attack on Google servers which attempted to steal software code and the names of human rights activists who have been vocal against China was sourced back to China. The Chinese government, however, denied any involvement with the attack. Read more at BBC.

Continue Reading

CFR’s Adam Segal, a counterterrorism and national security studies expert, discusses censorship issues in the wake of recent conflict between Google and the Chinese government.  In an interview with Jayshree Bajoria, Segal discusses the potential for Google to discontinue its presence in China, should the Chinese government refuse to make concessions regarding its political censorship laws.

For the full podcast interviews, please visit CFR.org.

Continue Reading