shortformblog:

More on Vinay Rai, the journalist on a censorship crusade in India

Now, obviously there are some cultural differences between India and the U.S., but journalism is generally a very pro-free-speech industry. So it disturbs us greatly to hear that the guy who’s been using the court system to force Google and Facebook to censor content in India is the editor of Akbari, an Urdu publication. His reasoning? “The content I have submitted to the court deeply offends several religions including Hinduism, Islam and Christianity,” he told The Wall Street Journal last month. “It involves pages and groups where users have mocked Hindu gods and goddesses, Prophet Muhammad and Jesus Christ. Such content can create communal riots across the country. These are just a few examples…My intention is to ensure that the sentiments of any religion or community are not hurt.” Rai said he once had a Facebook account, but got rid of it after getting too much spam.

“Activist Ryan Gosling” has a special message for you:

Hey girl.  Don’t you worry about SOPA.  Our love will never be censored. 

(But your websites will be. So please call your representative.)

(siliconvalleyryangosling)