michael caster
@mcaster.bsky.social
Head of Global China Programme @article19.bsky.social. Cofounder/advisor @safeguarddefenders.bsky.social. Other stuff. He/him.
Reposted by michael caster
The export of China's Great Firewall model is on the rise.
Cyber sovereignty has has 'gained traction in autocratic states,’ says ARTICLE 19's @mcaster.bsky.social – ‘and we’re unfortunately seeing similar language in democratic countries too.’
www.theglobeandmail.com/world/articl...
Cyber sovereignty has has 'gained traction in autocratic states,’ says ARTICLE 19's @mcaster.bsky.social – ‘and we’re unfortunately seeing similar language in democratic countries too.’
www.theglobeandmail.com/world/articl...
Leaked files show a Chinese company is exporting the Great Firewall’s censorship technology
Geedge Networks is providing censorship capabilities to foreign governments, including those in Myanmar, Pakistan, Ethiopia and Kazakhstan
www.theglobeandmail.com
September 12, 2025 at 9:12 AM
The export of China's Great Firewall model is on the rise.
Cyber sovereignty has has 'gained traction in autocratic states,’ says ARTICLE 19's @mcaster.bsky.social – ‘and we’re unfortunately seeing similar language in democratic countries too.’
www.theglobeandmail.com/world/articl...
Cyber sovereignty has has 'gained traction in autocratic states,’ says ARTICLE 19's @mcaster.bsky.social – ‘and we’re unfortunately seeing similar language in democratic countries too.’
www.theglobeandmail.com/world/articl...
Reposted by michael caster
What does China’s influence in digital governance and cybersecurity say about its wider global ambitions?
ARTICLE 19’s Michael Caster outlines the threats to democracy and human rights – and what the international community can do to protect free speech.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
ARTICLE 19’s Michael Caster outlines the threats to democracy and human rights – and what the international community can do to protect free speech.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
The Growth of Chinese Digital Norms
Podcast Episode · The Fletcher Forum Podcast · 09/08/2025 · 45m
podcasts.apple.com
August 12, 2025 at 2:49 PM
What does China’s influence in digital governance and cybersecurity say about its wider global ambitions?
ARTICLE 19’s Michael Caster outlines the threats to democracy and human rights – and what the international community can do to protect free speech.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
ARTICLE 19’s Michael Caster outlines the threats to democracy and human rights – and what the international community can do to protect free speech.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...
Reposted by michael caster
#UK: RSF and press freedom NGOs, including Article 19, urge State Secretary Lisa Nandy to pause and investigate the planned #Telegraph sale to an investor with reported close ties to the Chinese regime, warning robust safeguards are vital to protect editorial independence.
August 13, 2025 at 11:07 AM
#UK: RSF and press freedom NGOs, including Article 19, urge State Secretary Lisa Nandy to pause and investigate the planned #Telegraph sale to an investor with reported close ties to the Chinese regime, warning robust safeguards are vital to protect editorial independence.
Reposted by michael caster
We join @article19.bsky.social, @rsf.org and others in an open letter to Lisa Nandy raising urgent concerns over the potential acquisition of the Telegraph Media Group by RedBird Capital, in light of ties to #China: www.article19.org/resources/op...
UK: Investigate potential Chinese influence in Telegraph acquisition - ARTICLE 19
Free expression and human rights groups raise concerns about the planned acquisition of the Telegraph and potential Chinese influence.
www.article19.org
August 13, 2025 at 9:30 AM
We join @article19.bsky.social, @rsf.org and others in an open letter to Lisa Nandy raising urgent concerns over the potential acquisition of the Telegraph Media Group by RedBird Capital, in light of ties to #China: www.article19.org/resources/op...
Reposted by michael caster
I caught up with @mcaster.bsky.social and I-Chen Liu of @article19.bsky.social on their 2025 report on China's Digital Digital Silk Road: "Cybersecurity with Chinese Characteristics". We talked about UN, ASEAN, the upcoming Hanoi Convention. Have a watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0t5a...
Digital Silk Road: how China's reshaping the global digital norm
YouTube video by 鬼島之音 Ghost Island Media
www.youtube.com
June 20, 2025 at 5:13 AM
I caught up with @mcaster.bsky.social and I-Chen Liu of @article19.bsky.social on their 2025 report on China's Digital Digital Silk Road: "Cybersecurity with Chinese Characteristics". We talked about UN, ASEAN, the upcoming Hanoi Convention. Have a watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0t5a...
Reposted by michael caster
A new report by @article19.bsky.social traces how China’s targeting of protesters has evolved since the Tiananmen Square massacre into part of a sophisticated transnational repression campaign using harassment, violence and surveillance. #ChinaTargets
Read more:
Read more:
New report details Beijing’s targeting of protestors abroad - ICIJ
ARTICLE 19, a freedom of expression advocacy organization, documented heightened transnational repression during state visits, echoing the findings of ICIJ’s China Targets investigation.
buff.ly
June 13, 2025 at 9:57 PM
A new report by @article19.bsky.social traces how China’s targeting of protesters has evolved since the Tiananmen Square massacre into part of a sophisticated transnational repression campaign using harassment, violence and surveillance. #ChinaTargets
Read more:
Read more:
Reposted by michael caster
Please join us on June 4TH for an @article19.bsky.social webinar & report launch: From #Tiananmen to transnational repression - #China's assault on the right to protest. I'm excited to be joined by experts @zhoufengsuo.bsky.social @zumretayarkin.bsky.social & @aimenlau.bsky.social QR 4 registration!
May 30, 2025 at 7:56 AM
Please join us on June 4TH for an @article19.bsky.social webinar & report launch: From #Tiananmen to transnational repression - #China's assault on the right to protest. I'm excited to be joined by experts @zhoufengsuo.bsky.social @zumretayarkin.bsky.social & @aimenlau.bsky.social QR 4 registration!
On the eve of the #Tiananmen anniversary, @whyyoutouzhele
X account - renowned for protest related content - is again shadow banned, amid some 800 inauthentic Teacher Li accounts. Fake accounts game the algorithm to silence expression. It is part of Beijing's arsenal of influence.
X account - renowned for protest related content - is again shadow banned, amid some 800 inauthentic Teacher Li accounts. Fake accounts game the algorithm to silence expression. It is part of Beijing's arsenal of influence.
June 4, 2025 at 4:33 AM
On the eve of the #Tiananmen anniversary, @whyyoutouzhele
X account - renowned for protest related content - is again shadow banned, amid some 800 inauthentic Teacher Li accounts. Fake accounts game the algorithm to silence expression. It is part of Beijing's arsenal of influence.
X account - renowned for protest related content - is again shadow banned, amid some 800 inauthentic Teacher Li accounts. Fake accounts game the algorithm to silence expression. It is part of Beijing's arsenal of influence.
Reposted by michael caster
🔥FLAME OF FREEDOM: @zhoufengsuo.bsky.social recalls meeting a #HongKonger in #Beijing in 1989, the spirit of resistance that united them, and how it lives on through Chow Hang-tung and others who refuse to forget the #TiananmenSquareMassacre.
Read the blog: thecfhk.org/the-spirit-o...
Read the blog: thecfhk.org/the-spirit-o...
June 3, 2025 at 1:25 PM
🔥FLAME OF FREEDOM: @zhoufengsuo.bsky.social recalls meeting a #HongKonger in #Beijing in 1989, the spirit of resistance that united them, and how it lives on through Chow Hang-tung and others who refuse to forget the #TiananmenSquareMassacre.
Read the blog: thecfhk.org/the-spirit-o...
Read the blog: thecfhk.org/the-spirit-o...
Please join us on June 4TH for an @article19.bsky.social webinar & report launch: From #Tiananmen to transnational repression - #China's assault on the right to protest. I'm excited to be joined by experts @zhoufengsuo.bsky.social @zumretayarkin.bsky.social & @aimenlau.bsky.social QR 4 registration!
May 30, 2025 at 7:56 AM
Please join us on June 4TH for an @article19.bsky.social webinar & report launch: From #Tiananmen to transnational repression - #China's assault on the right to protest. I'm excited to be joined by experts @zhoufengsuo.bsky.social @zumretayarkin.bsky.social & @aimenlau.bsky.social QR 4 registration!
Reposted by michael caster
I will be speaking on June 4th, 2025 about transnational repression against PRC dissidents alongside some stellar panelists for @article19.bsky.social, please join us if you can!
@mcaster.bsky.social
@mcaster.bsky.social
May 29, 2025 at 6:04 AM
I will be speaking on June 4th, 2025 about transnational repression against PRC dissidents alongside some stellar panelists for @article19.bsky.social, please join us if you can!
@mcaster.bsky.social
@mcaster.bsky.social
Reposted by michael caster
New event!
📆4th June
🕛Midday UK time
@article19.bsky.social launch new report "From Tiananmen to transnational repression China's assault on the right to protest" w/ @aimenlau.bsky.social @zumretayarkin.bsky.social @mcaster.bsky.social
@zhoufengsuo.bsky.social
📆4th June
🕛Midday UK time
@article19.bsky.social launch new report "From Tiananmen to transnational repression China's assault on the right to protest" w/ @aimenlau.bsky.social @zumretayarkin.bsky.social @mcaster.bsky.social
@zhoufengsuo.bsky.social
May 29, 2025 at 10:17 AM
New event!
📆4th June
🕛Midday UK time
@article19.bsky.social launch new report "From Tiananmen to transnational repression China's assault on the right to protest" w/ @aimenlau.bsky.social @zumretayarkin.bsky.social @mcaster.bsky.social
@zhoufengsuo.bsky.social
📆4th June
🕛Midday UK time
@article19.bsky.social launch new report "From Tiananmen to transnational repression China's assault on the right to protest" w/ @aimenlau.bsky.social @zumretayarkin.bsky.social @mcaster.bsky.social
@zhoufengsuo.bsky.social
Reposted by michael caster
The arrest of Anna Kwok’s family is a shocking escalation in Hong Kong's transnational repression and use of the draconian national security law – for the first time weaponised against the families of wanted activists.
They must be released immediately!
www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...
They must be released immediately!
www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...
Hong Kong police arrest father and brother of wanted activist Anna Kwok
Hong Kong national security police have arrested the father and brother of wanted activist Anna Kwok for allegedly dealing with her finances, local media reported on Friday, in the first use of the city's security law on family members.
www.reuters.com
May 2, 2025 at 11:34 AM
The arrest of Anna Kwok’s family is a shocking escalation in Hong Kong's transnational repression and use of the draconian national security law – for the first time weaponised against the families of wanted activists.
They must be released immediately!
www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...
They must be released immediately!
www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...
Reposted by michael caster
#China 🇨🇳 @globalvoices.org interviews @mcaster.bsky.social of ARTICLE 19 about the importance of looking into the digital security norms increasingly imposed by China in the larger Asia-Pacific region.
buff.ly/kENeHEA @article19.bsky.social
buff.ly/kENeHEA @article19.bsky.social
May 2, 2025 at 1:02 PM
#China 🇨🇳 @globalvoices.org interviews @mcaster.bsky.social of ARTICLE 19 about the importance of looking into the digital security norms increasingly imposed by China in the larger Asia-Pacific region.
buff.ly/kENeHEA @article19.bsky.social
buff.ly/kENeHEA @article19.bsky.social
Reposted by michael caster
”The sacrifices that RFA reporters make knowing they’re the last line of defense for their countrymen are often unimaginable…Now these brave journalists…may be silenced by the very nation whose belief in press freedom inspired them in the first place.” www.nytimes.com/2025/05/02/o...
Opinion | Trump Is Silencing Radio Free Asia. Now China Doesn’t Have To.
The U.S. government’s dismantling of Radio Free Asia means giving Beijing’s propaganda free rein.
www.nytimes.com
May 2, 2025 at 10:26 AM
”The sacrifices that RFA reporters make knowing they’re the last line of defense for their countrymen are often unimaginable…Now these brave journalists…may be silenced by the very nation whose belief in press freedom inspired them in the first place.” www.nytimes.com/2025/05/02/o...
This is beyond outrageous! #HongKong authorities have sunk to a new despicable low in their escalating transnational repression in arresting the father and brother of human rights defender in exile Anna Kwok, executive director of Hong Kong Democracy Council. www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...
Hong Kong police arrest father and brother of wanted activist Anna Kwok
Hong Kong national security police have arrested the father and brother of wanted activist Anna Kwok for allegedly dealing with her finances, local media reported on Friday, in the first use of the city's security law on family members.
www.reuters.com
May 2, 2025 at 11:10 AM
This is beyond outrageous! #HongKong authorities have sunk to a new despicable low in their escalating transnational repression in arresting the father and brother of human rights defender in exile Anna Kwok, executive director of Hong Kong Democracy Council. www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...
Reposted by michael caster
China’s new anti-sanctions give authorities even more power to punish tech companies, risking censorship, surveillance, and human rights.
Read @mcaster.bsky.social’s analysis via @techpolicypress.bsky.social: www.techpolicy.press/chinas-anti-...
Read @mcaster.bsky.social’s analysis via @techpolicypress.bsky.social: www.techpolicy.press/chinas-anti-...
China’s Anti-Sanctions Rules Raise Human Rights Risks for Global Tech Firms | TechPolicy.Press
The new rules, which have already taken effect, outline 22 provisions that risk supercharging risks to foreign tech companies, writes Michael Caster.
www.techpolicy.press
April 28, 2025 at 11:23 AM
China’s new anti-sanctions give authorities even more power to punish tech companies, risking censorship, surveillance, and human rights.
Read @mcaster.bsky.social’s analysis via @techpolicypress.bsky.social: www.techpolicy.press/chinas-anti-...
Read @mcaster.bsky.social’s analysis via @techpolicypress.bsky.social: www.techpolicy.press/chinas-anti-...
Reposted by michael caster
#China 🌏 @mcaster.bsky.social of @article19.bsky.social writes about Xi Jinping's visit to #Cambodia, #Malaysia, & #Vietnam and their implications on digital infrastructure, governance, and free speech in the region.
China: Southeast Asia visit raises alarm over digital repression - ARTICLE 19
As Xi Jinping visits countries in Southeast Asia, ARTICLE 19 warns about the risk of growing digital repression in the region.
buff.ly
April 27, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#China 🌏 @mcaster.bsky.social of @article19.bsky.social writes about Xi Jinping's visit to #Cambodia, #Malaysia, & #Vietnam and their implications on digital infrastructure, governance, and free speech in the region.
Reposted by michael caster
An informative read from @mcaster.bsky.social @article19law.bsky.social on the growing risks to tech companies (some already complicit in #humanrights violations) in #China stemming from the anti-foreign sanctions regime—and the deepening risks to #freespeech. techpolicy.press/chinas-anti-...
China’s Anti-Sanctions Rules Raise Human Rights Risks for Global Tech Firms | TechPolicy.Press
The new rules, which have already taken effect, outline 22 provisions that risk supercharging risks to foreign tech companies, writes Michael Caster.
techpolicy.press
April 23, 2025 at 7:59 AM
An informative read from @mcaster.bsky.social @article19law.bsky.social on the growing risks to tech companies (some already complicit in #humanrights violations) in #China stemming from the anti-foreign sanctions regime—and the deepening risks to #freespeech. techpolicy.press/chinas-anti-...
Reposted by michael caster
New event: Join @engagemedia.org for Cybersecurity with Chinese Characteristics: Digital Governance in the Indo-Pacific and the Taiwanese Alternative
📆May 5 | 2PM BKK time
🗣️With @mcaster.bsky.social, Lulu Kang, and OPEN Culture Foundation Board Member Liu I-Chen.
engagemedia.org/2025/drapac-...
📆May 5 | 2PM BKK time
🗣️With @mcaster.bsky.social, Lulu Kang, and OPEN Culture Foundation Board Member Liu I-Chen.
engagemedia.org/2025/drapac-...
April 21, 2025 at 9:15 AM
New event: Join @engagemedia.org for Cybersecurity with Chinese Characteristics: Digital Governance in the Indo-Pacific and the Taiwanese Alternative
📆May 5 | 2PM BKK time
🗣️With @mcaster.bsky.social, Lulu Kang, and OPEN Culture Foundation Board Member Liu I-Chen.
engagemedia.org/2025/drapac-...
📆May 5 | 2PM BKK time
🗣️With @mcaster.bsky.social, Lulu Kang, and OPEN Culture Foundation Board Member Liu I-Chen.
engagemedia.org/2025/drapac-...
US State Dept country "human rights reports" to drop virtually all reporting on rights violations. This is not only an abdication of responsibility to hold foreign perpetrators accountable but also a harbinger of the likely increase in domestic rights assault in US. www.npr.org/2025/04/18/n...
The State Department is changing its mind about what it calls human rights
The agency's annual human rights reports are being purged of references to prison conditions, political corruption and other abuses.
www.npr.org
April 18, 2025 at 3:28 PM
US State Dept country "human rights reports" to drop virtually all reporting on rights violations. This is not only an abdication of responsibility to hold foreign perpetrators accountable but also a harbinger of the likely increase in domestic rights assault in US. www.npr.org/2025/04/18/n...
Reposted by michael caster
@mcaster.bsky.social warns that Xi Jinping’s Southeast Asia tour could deepen digital repression. China’s push for tech cooperation with Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia risks exporting surveillance and censorship models. www.article19.org/resources/ch...
China: Southeast Asia visit raises alarm over digital repression - ARTICLE 19
As Xi Jinping visits countries in Southeast Asia, ARTICLE 19 warns about the risk of growing digital repression in the region.
www.article19.org
April 15, 2025 at 9:05 PM
@mcaster.bsky.social warns that Xi Jinping’s Southeast Asia tour could deepen digital repression. China’s push for tech cooperation with Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia risks exporting surveillance and censorship models. www.article19.org/resources/ch...
Reposted by michael caster
I am deeply grateful and honored to have such powerful support from 40+ organisations from around the world stand in solidarity as I face legal harassment in relation to my recent protest art 'Here and Now' in Hong Kong.
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/04/the-...
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/04/the-...
April 11, 2025 at 11:56 AM
I am deeply grateful and honored to have such powerful support from 40+ organisations from around the world stand in solidarity as I face legal harassment in relation to my recent protest art 'Here and Now' in Hong Kong.
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/04/the-...
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/04/the-...
Reposted by michael caster
We join 40+ organisations standing in solidarity with artist, political cartoonist and activist @badiucao.bsky.social, who faces ongoing harassment for his work. Art Innovation Gallery must immediately drop their legal threats against him:
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/04/the-...
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/04/the-...
April 11, 2025 at 11:51 AM
We join 40+ organisations standing in solidarity with artist, political cartoonist and activist @badiucao.bsky.social, who faces ongoing harassment for his work. Art Innovation Gallery must immediately drop their legal threats against him:
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/04/the-...
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/04/the-...
#HongKong: @article19.bsky.social joins @indexoncensorship.org and 38 other organizations in expressing solidarity with artist @badiucao.bsky.social as he faces legal harassment www.article19.org/resources/ho...
Hong Kong: Solidarity with artist Badiucao as he faces legal harassment - ARTICLE 19
Chinese-Australian artist and activist Badiucao faces legal harassment for criticising the human rights crisis in Hong Kong.
www.article19.org
April 11, 2025 at 12:09 PM
#HongKong: @article19.bsky.social joins @indexoncensorship.org and 38 other organizations in expressing solidarity with artist @badiucao.bsky.social as he faces legal harassment www.article19.org/resources/ho...