Tool: GTalk

Written by Mary on January 23, 2008 – 4:23 am -

Tool Description: GTalk is Googles version of Internet telephony. I allows you to talk online for free with other people that use GTalk.
Activist Application: Burmese democracy activists used GTalk to tell people around the world what was happening in their country. According to Maung Maung, a Burmese activist and trade unionist, “There are about 50 Internet cafes all over Burma, and young people were able to log into GTalk and say to the rest of the world, ‘Here’s what is happening on this corner; here’s what is happening on that corner.’ Quite a lot of young activists have been trained in how to use Gmail. It is extremely helpful to the movement.” GTalk is available in Burmese (see below) and many other world languages.
Ease of Use: Easy. You can download it here or use it without downloading it by clicking here. You do need a Gmail account and a microphone to use GTalk.


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Posted in Asia, Internet Telephony, Tools |


2 Responses to “Tool: GTalk”

  1. By [him] moderator on Mar 18, 2008 | Reply

    Fifty internet cafes in Burma? There are hundreds in Rangoon alone …

    Read HIV Information for Myanmar [him[ at http://him.civiblog.org

  2. By Mary on Mar 18, 2008 | Reply

    Yeah, you’re right. Fifty does seem really small. I double-checked my source (http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/012308I.shtml) and 50 is the number they give, though your figure sounds much more reasonable. Thanks for the eagle eyes!

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