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As tech companies face possible antitrust investigations by coalition of attorneys general, The New York Times analyzes how regulation would affect companies such as Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google. New research highlights that local newspapers around the country are suffering, but they are also producing half of original stories about local communities and continue to be vital producers of quality news reporting. (See PEN America’s work supporting press freedom around the country). A Houston-based businessman and activist faces deportation for being undocumented after convening meeting on immigration practices to help quell fears in the community about Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (See PEN America’s legal work defending activists who are targeted by ICE for raising issues about the nation’s immigration practices, on behalf of those such as student Jose Bello and journalist Manuel Ortega).The departure of an assistant vice dean at University of Alabama draws outpouring of questions from alumni and national figures about the circumstances of the resignation. (See PEN America’s statement).
Nora Benavidez, Director of U.S. Free Expression Programs

The most pressing threats and notable goings-on in free expression today

U.S.

How Each Big Tech Company May Be Targeted by Regulators
In Washington on Thursday, the House antitrust subcommittee is scheduled to hold its third hearing on the impact of competition on data and privacy. Bipartisan lawyers across eight states are also investigating big tech. Here is the case against Big Tech—and what Big Tech has said in response.
THE NEW YORK TIMES

Local newspapers are suffering, but they’re still (by far) the most significant journalism producers in their communities 
Despite the economic hardships that local newspapers have endured, they remain, by far, the most significant providers of journalism in their communities. And while there is great hope and expectation that newer online journalism sources will emerge to compensate for the cutbacks and closures affecting local newspapers, this study has shown that this has yet to take place.
NIEMAN LAB

A Houston Activist Invited ICE to a Community Meeting. Now, He Faces Deportation.
Roland Gramajo, 40, is being held in federal custody pending deportation proceedings. His family believes he drew the authorities’ attention only because of the meeting.
THE NEW YORK TIMES

Alumni, students, others question UA dean’s departure
Alumni and national figures are questioning the circumstances surrounding the resignation of a University of Alabama dean last week following a report of controversial social media posts he made before he was hired there.
AL.COM

Global

Hong Kong journalists warn of rising police violence against them 
Journalists covering the ongoing demonstrations say they are facing increased police violence. The Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents’ Club has renewed calls for an independent investigation into police abuses. Over the weekend, the group said assaults are becoming more serious and impeding the ability of journalists to do their jobs.
THE GUARDIAN

Turkey cracks down on books, publishers
Turkish authorities are increasingly targeting authors and publishers, following reports earlier this week that the government has destroyed hundreds of thousands of books. A new book about the prevalence of pedophilia during the Ottoman period has led to obscenity charges against the author and the book’s publisher.
AHVAL

Dictators and the Internet: A love story
In this opinion piece, Jason Rezaian—a Washington Post reporter detained in Iran for 544 days—argues that governments globally are becoming more sophisticated in their efforts to censor free expression. Citing the Committee to Protect Journalists’ latest study, he says the CPJ’s list of 10 most-censored countries show how governments are using the internet to censor views they don’t like.
WASHINGTON POST

Croatian Government ‘Silent About Threats Against Journalists’
The advocacy groups Reporters Without Borders said the Croatian government must investigate a recent spate of hate messages and threats against journalists. Over the weekend, graffiti appeared in the coastal city Split calling journalists “earthworms,” while in another town, the words “death to journalists” were written on the walls of a news organization’s building.
BALKAN INSIGHT

DARE is a project of PEN America’s #LouderTogether campaign, bringing you a daily-curated roundup of the most important free expression-related news from the U.S. and abroad. An article’s inclusion does not imply endorsement by PEN America. We welcome your comments. Send your feedback and story suggestions to [email protected]