Malaysians stage ‘web blackout’ to protest law

DHAKA: Malaysian NGOs, well-known bloggers and opposition politicians on Tuesday staged a one-day ‘Internet blackout’ to protest a legal amendment that they say threatens free expression on the Web.

Participants replaced their home pages with black screens featuring messages attacking the new section of the Evidence Act, which went into effect in April despite widespread opposition, reports The Straits Times.

Critics say under the amendment any web host, provider of a wi-fi network, or ordinary user of a computer or mobile device can be found liable for any defamatory or harmful Web content sent via its systems.

Activists have called it an attempt by the ruling coalition government, which has been in power for more than five decades, to clamp down on the Internet.

BDST: 1720 HRS, AUG 14, 2012

Edited by Robab Rosan, Cultural Affairs Editor