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Interactive Map: The United Nations of Surveillance

As part of our SpyFiles coverage, this interactive map offered a comprehensive overview of the scale of the new $5 billion a year global surveillance industry, revealed in conjunction with Wikileaks.

Inside the Secretive World of MegaUpload

Our investigation into the offshore accounts and multiple identities behind MegaUpload, the secretive file sharing platform which makes up 4% of the Internet.

How Tech Companies Really Work

Five cartoons which explained what exactly was going on with Facebook, Apple, Google+ and the rest of the tech world in 2011.

A Guide to Libya’s Surveillance Network

Owni took a lead role this year in the investigation into the role of French company Amesys in providing surveillance equipment to Gaddafi’s Libya, equipment which was used to spy on Libyan citizens and opposition figures. This article explained the technology involved, and how the surveillance operations worked.

Racism in Advertising: 50 Shocking Examples

These examples of racist advertisements from the early 20th century through to today astonished and appalled.

The Best Maps of 2011

2011 was the year cartography officially became cool, and not before time. Here James Chesire of Spatial Analysis looks back at the maps that were popular, engaged users, innovated and raised the bar for cartographic standards this year.

Infographic: Media Consolidation – The Illusion of Choice

This simple and stylish infographic laid out the extent of media consolidation in the US, where just six media giants control 90% of all TV, news, radio and film distribution.

The Return of Bent Objects

2011 saw the return of Terry Border and his ubiquitous Bent Objects, which grew from a tiny blog to became a web phenomenon. Terry shared some images from his new book with OWNI, as well as his thoughts on the incredible success of his offbeat creations.

30 Years of Political Hacking

An in-depth interview with Andy Müller-Maguhn, board member and spokesman for the Chaos Computer Club, the celebrated and influential German hacker collective which turned 30 this year.

SpyFiles: Revelations of a Billion-Dollar Mass Surveillance Industry

Further revelations of the new global mass surveillance industry from our SpyFiles collaboration with Wikileaks.

How Gaddafi Spied on the Fathers of the New Libya

More SpyFiles coverage, this time the exclusive concluding chapter in OWNI’s investigation into western companies’ role in equipping Gaddafi’s Libya to spy on, locate and intimidate key opposition figures.

Top 30 LOLcats Sleeping in Odd Positions

From Libya to LOLcats, these photos of kittehs catching up on their sleep went down well with readers.

Planned Obsolescence: How Companies Encourage Hyperconsumption

How manufacturers deliberately design products to quickly become unusable, in order to trap consumers into an endless cycle of buying. As the saying goes – if you’re not angry yet, you’re not paying attention.

Is Anonymous Anarchy?

Anthropologist and hacker collective expert Gabriella Coleman examines the parallels between the Anonymous and anarchist movements.

George Orwell and the “Like” Button

A simple point well made by social media theorist and blogger Nathan Jurgenson.

20 Great Visualizations of 2011

In a world increasingly drowning in data, Visual.ly’s Drew Skau selects 20 of the best data visualizations of the year. Yes, the big money chart is in it.

Christmas: Brought to You by Chinese Slave Labor

Our investigation into the undignified and illegal conditions facing workers in Chinese factories producing 2011’s must-have Christmas toys.

Japan’s Porn Culture: The Birth of Anthropomorphic Hentai [NSFW]

Everything you’ve always wanted to know about Japanese hentai and its many and varied subcategories. Interestingly this article was one of the best read but least shared on social media…

Google+ Fan Art Compilation

The launch of Google’s “Facebook Killer” Google+ provoked much positive and negative reaction this year, and just as much indifference. Here fans of Google+ turned to Photoshop to illustrate its superiority over all previous social networks. Personally we’re still holding out for the Friendster comeback.

Under Watch: A Day in the New Surveillance Society

The final piece of our SpyFiles coverage – taking you through an average day in our new surveillance society, where your gadgets, devices and networks can all be used to track your every move. You’ll never look at your beloved smartphone the same way again.