Internet Regulation: The Collapse of Russia's Democratic Dream

We are pleased to announce that ORG London's May talk will be an introduction to internet censorship in Russia, from researcher, journalist and Phd candidate Gregory Asmolov.

Our Speaker - Gregory Asmolov

Gregory is a studying at LSE for a Phd in 'New media, innovation and literacy', investigating how technology affects the relationship between citizens and the state in crisis situations – particularly natural disasters. He's also worked as a journalist for Russian newspapers and been a consultant for the The World Bank.

He co-founded the crowdsourcing platform Help Map; in 2010 Help Map, co-ordinated aid to victims of the wildfires in Russia.

Follow Gregory on Twitter: @pustovek (https://twitter.com/pustovek)

Our Talk

In the last 20 years, the internet content available in Russia (referred to as 'Runet') has dramatically changed. What was a promising democratic project for 15 years has now collapsed. Almost every week Russia announces a new legal initiative for Internet regulation and website bans.

He'll talk about how Russian cyberspace has changed from being dominated by the political and cultural elite to being increasingly open and democratic, through to a domain the Russian government controls and regulates.

How has Russian internet changed over the past 20 years? Why has the state been able to regain control of a once open and democratic space?

For those interested, you can read the introduction to his report (http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/mediapolicyproject/2015/02/18/between-institutional-dungeons-and-the-dragons-of-public-opinion-russian-internet-regulation/).

We'll hear the talk from 7.30 till 8.15pm and have a Q&A from 8.15 to 9.00pm.

Please follow the signs to the Nomad Studio on the third floor - arrive from 7.15pm for light refreshments and a 7.30pm start.

N.B. Entrance is free and open to members of the public but due to fire regulations we need you to RSVP in advance so we can sign you in on arrival.

See you there,

Ruth

ORG London Organiser and Supporter Officer at ORG