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Online games China’s next target

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counter-strike.gifA few weeks after China announced its plan to loosen up its control over the Internet, it’s now back to its original mindset.

According to a news article, it has launched “Operation For Tomorrow,” a crackdown aimed against “unhealthy” and “overly violent” online games that corrupt the juvenile minds.

Hoping control juvenile crimes and other illegal activities, Chinese authorities will raid Internet cafes and computer markets as well as censor Websites providing unregistered downloadable playing platforms or services.

According to Xinhua News Agency, the primary targets of Tomorrow are the out-of-school youths, runaways and children of prisoners.

Authorities believe that some unlicensed Internet cafes or “black Web bars” are responsible for promoting juvenile crimes and Internet addiction because many Chinese children will do anything just to get money to play these games.

Originally posted on February 12, 2008 @ 10:09 am

China withdraws restrictions on online videos

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internet newsPerhaps the Olympic fever or Lunar New Year has hypnotized Chinese authorities to relax a little about its censorship policies. Yesterday, the Great Firewall of China said it might go easy on BBC and other anti-communist sites.

Today, China backs off on its new online video policy limiting control of video-sharing services to state-owned and state-controlled entities. Now, private firms like YouTube could continue their operations in China.

According to a news article, it turned out even China’s own state-controlled media criticized this policy for it can hinder development in this fast growing sector.

Are these signs of China opening up to the Internet community? Ha! Fat chance. Maybe in my reincarnation all things will be different!

Originally posted on February 6, 2008 @ 9:44 am

The Great Firewall of China might loosen up a bit this coming Olympics

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beijing-olympics.gifWith 184 days left for the upcoming Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Chinese authorities might go easy on Internet censorship. MIGHT. That’s short of saying don’t push your luck, folks.

Still, it basically means there’s hope for banned sites such as BBC, human rights and anti-communist groups to set foot on this forbidden online community.

More than 20,000 journalists across the globe are expected to cover this major event. Knowing the Chinese government, there is always a vested interest for this sudden change of heart.

“We are studying this now based on suggestions of some journalists and a study of the experiences of other countries, so during the Olympics there may be some changes. This is one of the ways the Olympics may promote progress in China,” said head of media relations, Wang Hui in a news article.

See what I mean? But don’t get me wrong. China says it might do that but they can’t give any promise yet. Until it’s not in black and white, don’t get your hopes up.

Originally posted on February 5, 2008 @ 9:36 am

UK to fight terrorism via Internet censorship

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terrorism.gifSubjected to several terrorist attacks after supporting the U.S. against Iraq and Afghanistan, the UK government wants to curb terrorists materials scattered over the Internet.

Following the initiatives against online child pornography, the only possible way is filtering Internet content. However, British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith did not cite the specifics of this plan.

However, it is only in China that Internet policing is enforced. Other countries tried this approach but the idea did not fly for it violates free-speech laws.

According to a news report, Smith disclosed the government is working closely with the Internet industry regarding the implementation of this plan. Britain’s Internet Service Provider Association, on the contrary, is afraid this might bring more lawsuits to the providers.

in spite of these potential problems, you cannot help but appreciate the effort of Smith and her tenacity to push the envelope.

Originally posted on January 18, 2008 @ 9:33 am

Goodbye YouTube!? China to restrict Internet videos

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china.pngI have this funny feeling that the Chinese government wants to be known as the world capital of Internet censorship. Soon after the Australian government announced its intention to filter online contents, China has taken another major step much to the dismay of privacy groups.

This time, the government wants to limit broadcasting of Internet videos to state-controlled companies. Will this be the end of video-sharing sites such as YouTube and popular Chinese site, Tudou.com? According to a news article, the fate of these companies is not yet clear. Both companies did not respond about this inquiry yet.

As usual, the objective is to fight malicious video contents, protect the reputation of China, and prevent anyone from broadcasting videos about the country’s national secrets.

The policy dictates that only state-owned and state-controlled companies can apply for government permits to broadcast and upload video contents. The permit is renewable every 3 years. The problem is that majority of Internet video providers operating in China are private companies.

What could be next? Ban the music lyrics?

Originally posted on January 3, 2008 @ 10:41 am