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Coursera blocks access to students in Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria

blog.coursera.org

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Re: Coursera blocks access to students in Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria

#2

Post by rikacomet »

This is ridiculous! What is the use of being the premier institute in the world, and do just about nothing about such a obvious immorality!?

The kids in these countries are already suffering under oppression/war/famine/ you name it.. things you won't want upon yourself, much less on your kids.I know a guy who plays a rpg with me who is from Syria, he is 14 year old, and his school is defunct. Just few months back I recommended him Coursera and EdX.. and now this..? This is shit!

Whats next? Edx, Khan Academy follow course!?

This is almost like that rule that was imposed back in 2003-2007 era.. when all rpg players with name Osama/Usama were banned, or forced to change their usernames. People who had their legimate natural name as Osama/Usama way before 9/11.

Talk about overkill!

Re: Coursera blocks access to students in Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria

#3

Post by icelancer »

rikacomet wrote: post #2

This is ridiculous! What is the use of being the premier institute in the world, and do just about nothing about such a obvious immorality!? The kids in these countries are already suffering under oppression/war/famine/ you name it.. things you won't want upon yourself, much less on your kids.I know a guy who plays a rpg with me who is from Syria, he is 14 year old, and his school is defunct. Just few months back I r…

This isn't on Coursera. Take it up with your elected officials.

Re: Coursera blocks access to students in Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria

#5

Post by thorn »

This is very sad news. Restricting education access for some people looks like very bad move for whole MOOC community. I wonder what made them to do that? Would Coursera be sanctioned or even close otherwise?

I wonder what is the process how those restriction are being applied to the company and what are the consequences if you not follow this (law)?

Re: Coursera blocks access to students in Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria

#7

Post by rikacomet »

icelancer wrote: post #3
rikacomet wrote: post #2

This is ridiculous! What is the use of being the premier institute in the world, and do just about nothing about such a obvious immorality!? The kids in these countries are already suffering under oppression/war/famine/ you name it.. things you won't want upon yourself, much less on your kids.I know a guy who plays a rpg with me who is from Syria, he is 14 year old, and his school is defunct. Just few months back I r…

This isn't on Coursera. Take it up with your elected officials.

I would if I were in US.

Re: Coursera blocks access to students in Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria

#8

Post by jnbiche »

icelancer wrote: post #3
rikacomet wrote: post #2

This is ridiculous! What is the use of being the premier institute in the world, and do just about nothing about such a obvious immorality!? The kids in these countries are already suffering under oppression/war/famine/ you name it.. things you won't want upon yourself, much less on your kids.I know a guy who plays a rpg with me who is from Syria, he is 14 year old, and his school is defunct. Just few months back I r…

This isn't on Coursera. Take it up with your elected officials.

>Take it up with your elected officials.

Yeah, how's that working out?

But I totally agree this is not on Coursera.

Re: Coursera blocks access to students in Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria

#9

Post by azernik »

thorn wrote: post #5

This is very sad news. Restricting education access for some people looks like very bad move for whole MOOC community. I wonder what made them to do that? Would Coursera be sanctioned or even close otherwise? I wonder what is the process how those restriction are being applied to the company and what are the consequences if you not follow this (law)?

Yes - they would be violating US sanctions on the countries in question, and would be subject to heavy fines. For an example of a company being penalized for violating these sanctions, see http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/rbs-iran-sanctions-fine-ross-mcewan...
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