Does China operate a Great Red Firewall?

The vast majority of people consider cyber space as a place free of control, where they think it is possible to browse websites & send e-mails anonymously. However it is my sad duty to inform those who are unaware that we are living in an age of regulation. Ones freedom is really threatened on the Internet, both in democratic and non-democratic countries! There are those who try to monopolize the net, see to censor it, openly or hypocritically, be it in the name of the defence of the order or in the name of freedom.

For the purpose of my work and the questionnaire I hope you will consider filling in at the bottom of the page, my main focus of study is China. In China the mass media continues to be the mouthpiece and propaganda tool of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and has long been under the government’s control. To steer public opinion it builds teams of internet commentators, issues a broad range of laws and regulations to prohibit a large range of internet activities. There are many reasons behind the Internet control in China which I hope to gain a better understanding of, such as the unique history and cultural background, the economic development and structure, level of education and understanding of the Chinese citizens and the political structure within China to name but a few.

Many believe the Internet to be the best means of promoting free expression and will inevitably quicken the pace of democratization in China. However, it is for this reason the Chinese government has developed the most sophisticated censoring technologies in the world, but while simultaneously encouraging the economic use of the Internet.

Do you have an opinion on the matter? If you are a Chinese citizen or have used the Internet in China I am interested in knowing what you have to say. It is not my intention to criticize or cause upset to any individual. However, Freedom of speech is enshrined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is granted formal recognition by the laws of most nations...and a freedom I would hope you agree, every individual is entitled to!



Further Reading:

Until my study is complete you may find the following interesting

Don't Yahoo






Yahoo 9/11 Internet Censorship:




Unfortunately Internet Censorship effects us all, whoever we are, whatever we believe in...no matter which country we live in!


http://irrepressible.info/


http://www.rsf.org/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=111&id_mot=887