Irrespective of how we feel about the censorship, China's sovereignty is supreme both on and off the internet. Are we in denial how social media has become a menace to society? Western countries always think they know it all. Unfortunately, they are lagging behind.
3
Why why allow Chinese companies unfettered access to the west when western companies cannot get equivalent reciprocal rights. This issue has perennially baffled many and why the west doesn't have the will to stand up to this insidious one sided bullying will forever be a mystery.
Why is that western politicians, businessmen and decision makers give China a pass on its most egregious behavior and yet swallow its humbug about fair access to technologies like semiconductors.
When these irrational feckless conspirators
Why is that western politicians, businessmen and decision makers give China a pass on its most egregious behavior and yet swallow its humbug about fair access to technologies like semiconductors.
When these irrational feckless conspirators
4
When you consider what the Russians did to meddle in our election, the actions of the Chinese government may not seem so irrational. Freedom opens doors to agents who want to do harm. That's a truth we might want to acknowledge.
Yes, the Chinese government wants to maintain control of communications. Yes, the Chinese government is undemocratic and the Communists will do whatever they can to maintain power. We can and should acknowledge all that while recognizing that we have been under attack through the openness of our own Internet. Social networking has been used as a tool in those attacks.
I don't know how to defend against that. Who determines what's true and what's a lie? People in government have their own interests to protect. Businesses like Facebook are not more trustworthy.
Yes, the Chinese government wants to maintain control of communications. Yes, the Chinese government is undemocratic and the Communists will do whatever they can to maintain power. We can and should acknowledge all that while recognizing that we have been under attack through the openness of our own Internet. Social networking has been used as a tool in those attacks.
I don't know how to defend against that. Who determines what's true and what's a lie? People in government have their own interests to protect. Businesses like Facebook are not more trustworthy.
2
In 2013, a bomb killed three people in Boston. Facebook volunteered to help with the investigation and played a vital role in catching the terrorists through their online accounts. In 2009 the terrorist organization ETIM used Facebook to organize a riot that killed 200 Chinese women and children. The Chinese government requested Facebook’s assistance identifying the terrorists and Facebook refused. That’s why Facebook is blocked, though not censored.
2
My Dad used to say it about the Soviet Union in the 1960's: you have a real problem when you have to lock your people IN- this form of censorship is just another kind of locking people in. Shows the weakness of their systemic philosophical underpinnings.
5
Not surprisingly, this article leaves out the two interconnected reasons the Chinese tend periodically test their ability to crackdown on foreign digital services. First, they do it to promote the business success of domestic competitors to US digital services. Second, they do it for national security reasons given the documented tendency (Snowden etc...) of US digitial service firms to collaboarate voluntarily or involuntarily with US intelligence agencies in placing spyware in said digital services. The "national security" argument portion of ensuring your "sovereignty" over the Internet is a very real one and it is laughable in the current environment to suggest it is not legitimate. China and to a lesser extent Russia are the only countries in the world that can produce viable competitors to US digital service companies and from a national security perspective they're well advised to do so. In the much the same manner US authorities run about with their hair on fire if a Chinese digital service provider gains a foothold in any market for example if Chinese Internet telecommunications equipment and services company Huawei is on the verge of landing a major contract anywhere in the world. (Just look it up.) As to VPNs not working that is the usual nonsense. They continue to function in China and are readily avaialble for anyone who wants them to leap the firewall. Many people use them just to continue using gmail.
9
China is trying to balance capitalistic economic growth, a rapidly increasing middle class and censorship. It's not sustainable. In the end censorship will undermine the other two or the other two will undermine censorship. It's going to happen one way or the other. In addition, China's growing efforts to develop a soft power presence in the globalized community will fail if censorship wins.
Eclectic Pragmatism — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
Eclectic Pragmatism — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
3
Kleptocracy and dictatorship go hand in hand.
6
Seems like China is leading the technological race to filter the internet. I don't know about you but it is not hard to find pro-ISIS video and comments on YouTube and Facebook.
1
Dumb move, President Xi !
Instead of blocking your citizens from using WhatsApp, how about just reverse engineer the NSA codes recently hacked and vacuum up all the conversations and let them believe they are safe and "encrypted" (cough cough). Thats a much more effective and sneakier way to find the guys the government wants. Like President Putin, or President Trump, I am sure you have political enemies and friends too.
Instead of blocking your citizens from using WhatsApp, how about just reverse engineer the NSA codes recently hacked and vacuum up all the conversations and let them believe they are safe and "encrypted" (cough cough). Thats a much more effective and sneakier way to find the guys the government wants. Like President Putin, or President Trump, I am sure you have political enemies and friends too.
1
Pity. I love it.
Gary Stark Palo Cedro, CA 13 minutes ago
The technical reality is that you can't separate out who gets to use "free internet secure communications". And all is much better than none. Ultimately only dictators try to squash communication.
.......................................................................................
We never have had a dictator in the United States because our government was squashing secure communications.
Now we have American companies providing secure communication that winds up in the hands of terrorists. American companies are fully aware that terrorists will use the secure communication that they are providing.
It is time to deal with the reality that American companies are providing aid to terrorists that make it possible for terrorists to launch attacks.
Americans needs to stop pretending that the the United States is nation where the government is squashing freedom.
The technical reality is that you can't separate out who gets to use "free internet secure communications". And all is much better than none. Ultimately only dictators try to squash communication.
.......................................................................................
We never have had a dictator in the United States because our government was squashing secure communications.
Now we have American companies providing secure communication that winds up in the hands of terrorists. American companies are fully aware that terrorists will use the secure communication that they are providing.
It is time to deal with the reality that American companies are providing aid to terrorists that make it possible for terrorists to launch attacks.
Americans needs to stop pretending that the the United States is nation where the government is squashing freedom.
2
@Bob S
You may have missed the battles involving the Federal Communications Commission and corporate sponsored efforts to move toward monopolization of the American airways. In each case it has been an aware public who have save the day (so far). But they will be back.
You may have missed the battles involving the Federal Communications Commission and corporate sponsored efforts to move toward monopolization of the American airways. In each case it has been an aware public who have save the day (so far). But they will be back.
1
China blocks our best and most innovative companies from competing in China.
It blocks Facebook. It blocks Whatsassp. It blocks Google. It blocks the New York Times. It blocks parts of Apple's services.
Yet we do nothing. We basically have no restrictions on their goods coming in and competing with our manufacturing.
Trump has given China enough time to prove their worth wrt N.Korea. Now that we know they can't/won't help, it's time to take corrective action. They've been waging a trade war. It's time to start fighting back with not just trade tools, but in recognizing Taiwan, building our own militarized islands in SE Asia, installing THAAD in Japan, etc.
It blocks Facebook. It blocks Whatsassp. It blocks Google. It blocks the New York Times. It blocks parts of Apple's services.
Yet we do nothing. We basically have no restrictions on their goods coming in and competing with our manufacturing.
Trump has given China enough time to prove their worth wrt N.Korea. Now that we know they can't/won't help, it's time to take corrective action. They've been waging a trade war. It's time to start fighting back with not just trade tools, but in recognizing Taiwan, building our own militarized islands in SE Asia, installing THAAD in Japan, etc.
10
@Jay Lincoln
The US may have enough aircraft carriers that it does not need militarized islands; unless we just want to keep up with the other side. And Japan is incorporated in a surveillance system one would suspect with our military bases there. We sell arms to Taiwan upon request; any other ideas?
The US may have enough aircraft carriers that it does not need militarized islands; unless we just want to keep up with the other side. And Japan is incorporated in a surveillance system one would suspect with our military bases there. We sell arms to Taiwan upon request; any other ideas?
1
@Jay Lincoln
This reply come to you over the GCFW. Are you willing to go join the war that results when Taiwan is involved? Your comments on China and NK are ill informed. All powers are in favor of talks, the ball is in America’s court; will D.C. take up the challenge? Russia, China, Japan, NK, SK are looking for a response from a dysfunctional State Department. Could be a long dangerous wait.
This reply come to you over the GCFW. Are you willing to go join the war that results when Taiwan is involved? Your comments on China and NK are ill informed. All powers are in favor of talks, the ball is in America’s court; will D.C. take up the challenge? Russia, China, Japan, NK, SK are looking for a response from a dysfunctional State Department. Could be a long dangerous wait.
"leaving many unable to send videos and photos and some also unable to send text-based messages." The horror!
1
It's only funny to because you're not affected.
2
Gary Stark Palo Cedro, CA 24 minutes ago
Freedom of speech is not a weapon. You seem to think that it is. If anything ISIS supporters need more exposure to the world, not less.
..............................................................................
Unfortunately Gary Stark does not understand that ISIS is not using free internet secure communication of American companies for freedom of speak.
ISIS is using free internet secure communication of American companies for creating attacks against any nation that is opposed to ISIS. In war secure communications is important and ISIS is at war with the US and many other nations.
Freedom of speech is not a weapon. You seem to think that it is. If anything ISIS supporters need more exposure to the world, not less.
..............................................................................
Unfortunately Gary Stark does not understand that ISIS is not using free internet secure communication of American companies for freedom of speak.
ISIS is using free internet secure communication of American companies for creating attacks against any nation that is opposed to ISIS. In war secure communications is important and ISIS is at war with the US and many other nations.
If another sovereign nation was providing terrorists and criminals with secure communication the United States would not allow this secure communication of terrorists and criminals to be used in the United States.
It is time for the United States to not allow American companies to provide secure communication to terrorists and criminals. This would weaken terrorists like ISIS.
American companies that provided secure communication to terrorists and criminals in Europe added terrorists that made attacks against France, Belgium and Great Britain.
It is time for the United States to no allow American companies to provide secure communication methods to terrorists.
It is time for the United States to not allow American companies to provide secure communication to terrorists and criminals. This would weaken terrorists like ISIS.
American companies that provided secure communication to terrorists and criminals in Europe added terrorists that made attacks against France, Belgium and Great Britain.
It is time for the United States to no allow American companies to provide secure communication methods to terrorists.
2
Sometimes the government IS the terrorist. Like China.
5
Mark NYC
Terrorists themselves pose no threat to freedom whatsoever. The threat to freedom lies in our irrational response to to terrorism - authorities attacking the use of secure communications, for instance.
..........................................................................................
Never mind that we had freedom before the internet and free secure communications.
In war you always go after the enemy's communications. Perhaps it will take terrorist attacks in the US like the attacks in France for Americans to understand there is cost in allowing terrorists to have free access to secure communication.
Terrorists themselves pose no threat to freedom whatsoever. The threat to freedom lies in our irrational response to to terrorism - authorities attacking the use of secure communications, for instance.
..........................................................................................
Never mind that we had freedom before the internet and free secure communications.
In war you always go after the enemy's communications. Perhaps it will take terrorist attacks in the US like the attacks in France for Americans to understand there is cost in allowing terrorists to have free access to secure communication.
1
Mike NYC 4 hours ago
What did you expect from a place that's ruled over by illegitimate , unelected dictators whose #1 objective is to stay in power and enrich themselves and their accomplices and cohorts?
............................................................
Is Mike commenting on the new administration?
What did you expect from a place that's ruled over by illegitimate , unelected dictators whose #1 objective is to stay in power and enrich themselves and their accomplices and cohorts?
............................................................
Is Mike commenting on the new administration?
The U'.S. Trade Representative should LOUDLY complain about China's anti-Foreign activities that have excluded Google, Facebook, and now WhatsApp. Seems to me that this is a clear violation of the WTO rules.
Trump, where are you? This is an issue that could make you a winner!
Trump, where are you? This is an issue that could make you a winner!
6
I guess this holds true for the Australians since they are now against free internet secure communication to terrorists. Time to recognize that there are many sovereign countries that would not want WhatsApp in their nation providing secure communications to terrorists.
1
The technical reality is that you can't separate out who gets to use "free internet secure communications". And all is much better than none. Ultimately only dictators try to squash communication.
2
Adk NY
Can someone explain why we have unrestricted free trade with the repressive, authoritarian Communist regime in Red China?
..............................................................
American companies wanted to sell to China and also have cheap labor.
It was important for Apple to have cheap labor for Apple products.
Can someone explain why we have unrestricted free trade with the repressive, authoritarian Communist regime in Red China?
..............................................................
American companies wanted to sell to China and also have cheap labor.
It was important for Apple to have cheap labor for Apple products.
3
Ron Felton, CA 7 minutes ago
Bob,
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
—Ben Franklin
...................................................
Never mind that we had freedom for years without having Americans companies providing free internet secure communication for terrorists and criminals. I am sure that Ben Franklin would be all for terrorists and criminals having secure communications.
Bob,
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
—Ben Franklin
...................................................
Never mind that we had freedom for years without having Americans companies providing free internet secure communication for terrorists and criminals. I am sure that Ben Franklin would be all for terrorists and criminals having secure communications.
1
Since WhatsApp is providing free secure communication to terrorists and criminals perhaps the title of this article should be:
China Disrupts Free Secure Communication To Terrorists
China Disrupts Free Secure Communication To Terrorists
1
Surprise surprise.....
Beginning with the Great Wall and continuing to today, mainland Chinese have always sought to control foreign influence. It's part of a collective Chinese mindset that they take pride in claiming to be the purest race on earth, i.e., no outside influence. In this light, Chinese censorship of the Internet is not a situation where the Chinese government is oppressing its citizens. Instead, its citizens (except the few liberal ones that are highlighted in the Western liberal media) actually want the Chinese government to censor the Internet so that China can consume the Internet in a uniquely Chinese way instead of in some American or foreign way.
3
China blocks American companies from doing business or selling their products in China. No response from the U.S.
China engages in industrial espionage, and now tries to legalize this through forced sharing of intellectual property agreements as the price for doing business in China. No Response from the U.S.
A huge and growing trade imbalance between the U.S. and China, the profits of which fund China military adventurism against its neighbors and U.S.allies. Little or no response from the U.S.
China supports N. Korean's nuclear bomb and delivery programs, N. Korea being a hostile nation threatening the use of these weapons against the U.S. and its allies. So far the only response being talk and continuations of sanctions which are clearly not working, i.e. equivalent to no response from the U.S.
Blind support of the Saudi dictatorship led to 9-11. It might be wise to take some corrective action with China now. Overall balance of trade might be a good start, with the intent: We help them; they help us.
China engages in industrial espionage, and now tries to legalize this through forced sharing of intellectual property agreements as the price for doing business in China. No Response from the U.S.
A huge and growing trade imbalance between the U.S. and China, the profits of which fund China military adventurism against its neighbors and U.S.allies. Little or no response from the U.S.
China supports N. Korean's nuclear bomb and delivery programs, N. Korea being a hostile nation threatening the use of these weapons against the U.S. and its allies. So far the only response being talk and continuations of sanctions which are clearly not working, i.e. equivalent to no response from the U.S.
Blind support of the Saudi dictatorship led to 9-11. It might be wise to take some corrective action with China now. Overall balance of trade might be a good start, with the intent: We help them; they help us.
7
Given the horrible impact of social media, Russian hacking and BIG money spent to defeat Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton applaud China for cracking down on the internet and unregulated, unfiltered content.
I would not want to live in China under their harsh speech rules but right now it's the right step for them to take to protect their civilization.
It's time for "western countries", including The United States of America, to regulate and tax the internet just as we regulate the U.S. Postal System. telephone companies, the retail and credit industries and other entities that have the privilege of doing business with us. Time to end the no-regulation, no-taxation, no customer service model that has gone on too long and is aiding in the destruction of democracy in America.
I would not want to live in China under their harsh speech rules but right now it's the right step for them to take to protect their civilization.
It's time for "western countries", including The United States of America, to regulate and tax the internet just as we regulate the U.S. Postal System. telephone companies, the retail and credit industries and other entities that have the privilege of doing business with us. Time to end the no-regulation, no-taxation, no customer service model that has gone on too long and is aiding in the destruction of democracy in America.
3
If it was found out that an American company was providing ISIS with weapons Americans would be opposed to this.
Meanwhile the leaders and planners of ISIS are using totally secure communications that is provided by free by American internet companies.
Like it or not American internet companies are aiding ISIS and other terrorists.
Meanwhile the leaders and planners of ISIS are using totally secure communications that is provided by free by American internet companies.
Like it or not American internet companies are aiding ISIS and other terrorists.
Freedom of speech is not a weapon. You seem to think that it is. If anything ISIS supporters need more exposure to the world, not less.
Consistency!
What is surprising is that WhatsApp was able to operate for so long.
In a country that has a strong desire to develop its internal technology leaders, and to control the message that circulates in the blogosphere, this action is consistent with the overall strategy of the Chinese government.
Apple is allowed to “lead” in certain areas until a Chinese competitor evolves to take its place. Apple with then be throttled back through similar actions.
This is well documented in the Made in China 2025 policy.
No wonder President Xi is all for globalisation the Chinese way.
What is surprising is that WhatsApp was able to operate for so long.
In a country that has a strong desire to develop its internal technology leaders, and to control the message that circulates in the blogosphere, this action is consistent with the overall strategy of the Chinese government.
Apple is allowed to “lead” in certain areas until a Chinese competitor evolves to take its place. Apple with then be throttled back through similar actions.
This is well documented in the Made in China 2025 policy.
No wonder President Xi is all for globalisation the Chinese way.
3
The internet is wonderful for the United States since so many Americans will believe so many lies and distortions on the internet.
After the election an American who believed what was on the internet decided to attack a pizza restaurant.
Imagine how different the US would be if there was no internet.
I am an American but I can understand why the Chinese government wants to have limits on the internet.
After the election an American who believed what was on the internet decided to attack a pizza restaurant.
Imagine how different the US would be if there was no internet.
I am an American but I can understand why the Chinese government wants to have limits on the internet.
1
Just curious, will you be happy that Trump or Obama has the authority to do the same as the Chinese government to act totally above law to crack down any voices and any websites that dare to criticize or even question them? Can you really imagine that US government can have the absolute power, like Chinese government does, to "fact check" any news and any citizens' words online and to silence or even jail everyone at will? Those are the everyday reality in China.
5
Whose censorship is dumber? The censorship by China's collective dictatorship that increases how much they can control and demand from their people in their quest to make China earth's most powerful nation -- or the censorship which most Americans place upon ourselves because we don't want to hear unpleasant truths -- including the truth that China is almost certainly going to be more powerful than us within a decade, and much more powerful than us within three decades.
Because of America's "USA Number One" self-censorship, few Americans know that China's economy already produces ten percent more than America's. It is expected to produce twice as much within a decade. At that time its labor costs would be half of ours, meaning the same percent of their two-times larger economy could buy four times as many weapons as could the same percent of our smaller economy. China is graduating five times as many students as we do in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. They have a higher average IQ than we do. They have stolen the blue prints and source code of most of our advanced weapon systems. They are 92% of the same race, meaning it is easier to appeal to their nationalism. And, as set forth in Micheal Pillsbury's important book "The Hundred-Year Marathon", they have a hundred year plan to dominate earth.
Again, which or our two countries' form of censorship is more stupidly self defeating?
Because of America's "USA Number One" self-censorship, few Americans know that China's economy already produces ten percent more than America's. It is expected to produce twice as much within a decade. At that time its labor costs would be half of ours, meaning the same percent of their two-times larger economy could buy four times as many weapons as could the same percent of our smaller economy. China is graduating five times as many students as we do in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. They have a higher average IQ than we do. They have stolen the blue prints and source code of most of our advanced weapon systems. They are 92% of the same race, meaning it is easier to appeal to their nationalism. And, as set forth in Micheal Pillsbury's important book "The Hundred-Year Marathon", they have a hundred year plan to dominate earth.
Again, which or our two countries' form of censorship is more stupidly self defeating?
5
Hum, maybe China will take a page from our White House and publish everyone's name and WhatsApp address as a form of user intimidation. It could happen....after all, it did in the US.
hey folks, it's China's nation and borders. their rules apply. crying about it does not make their physical borders change and now need to adhere what we perceive cause we are America. each nation has their own rules. Grow up Americans. do not keep believing that every though we have applies to all the world over.
1
I am astounded by the ethnocentricity and plain ignorance of many of the comments on this article. I keep waiting for the "and why don't they speak English like the rest of the world?" comment. Whether its a lack of understanding or propaganda-based false information that leads one to attempt to superimpose the West's values and standards is unclear. What is clear, is that few of the commentators here have ever visited the country.
China is a complex and established (5000+ yrs) society. Having grown up during the cold war--and receiving the corresponding propagandized history lessons about China and Russia, I have concluded that America must have its evil enemies to point to in various times of distress. Who doesn't remember hiding under your school desk or being lined up along the lockers in the hallway--just in case there was a nuclear attack! Is China justified in its actions to block the internet or applications--I don't know--it's not my country, not my place to judge or impose my beliefs and standards on their country. Don't we have enough turmoil going on in our own back yard? If there's any doubt, pick up any newspaper or go online and look at any news service.
If you have never actually been to China--then go there and you will see firsthand how different it is (1) from the US and (2) from all that propaganda that is perpetuated. "Globalism" under the current administration has become a dirty word. Unfortunately, avoiding it only leads to ignorance.
China is a complex and established (5000+ yrs) society. Having grown up during the cold war--and receiving the corresponding propagandized history lessons about China and Russia, I have concluded that America must have its evil enemies to point to in various times of distress. Who doesn't remember hiding under your school desk or being lined up along the lockers in the hallway--just in case there was a nuclear attack! Is China justified in its actions to block the internet or applications--I don't know--it's not my country, not my place to judge or impose my beliefs and standards on their country. Don't we have enough turmoil going on in our own back yard? If there's any doubt, pick up any newspaper or go online and look at any news service.
If you have never actually been to China--then go there and you will see firsthand how different it is (1) from the US and (2) from all that propaganda that is perpetuated. "Globalism" under the current administration has become a dirty word. Unfortunately, avoiding it only leads to ignorance.
2
You said:
Is China justified in its actions to block the internet or applications--I don't know--it's not my country, not my place to judge or impose my beliefs and standards on their country.
Really? You don't know? I'm curious...what's your position on free speech?
Is China justified in its actions to block the internet or applications--I don't know--it's not my country, not my place to judge or impose my beliefs and standards on their country.
Really? You don't know? I'm curious...what's your position on free speech?
1
How can it be free and fair trade with China, when Google and Facebook are simply not allowed to operate in China, number of Hollywood movies that can be shown are limited, software piracy is rampant, and drug patents are not honored? It's about time we had a radical change in how we deal with China on trade -- it is much deeper than just steel tariffs.
6
The internet is great.
It helped to get Trump elected president, and it helps terrorists to have safe communications.
How would we survive as a free nation without the internet?
It helped to get Trump elected president, and it helps terrorists to have safe communications.
How would we survive as a free nation without the internet?
Wait...you're bashing "the internet", yet have no problem using it to post comments here? Make up your mind...
1
Terrorists pose a greater threat to freedom than simply allowing Americans companies to enrich themselves.
Freedom is not American companies enriching themselves.
After the attacks of the French I believe many sovereign nations are understanding the danger of allowing terrorists to have easy access to communication methods that can not be intercepted by those that are trying to prevent terrorist attacks.
Freedom is not American companies enriching themselves.
After the attacks of the French I believe many sovereign nations are understanding the danger of allowing terrorists to have easy access to communication methods that can not be intercepted by those that are trying to prevent terrorist attacks.
Terrorists themselves pose no threat to freedom whatsoever. The threat to freedom lies in our irrational response to to terrorism - authorities attacking the use of secure communications, for instance.
4
If the tRumps owned WhatsApp, surely they would have Carte' Blanche.
Time for Anonymous to have a serious look at China?
Time for Anonymous to have a serious look at China?
Terrorists are using WhatsApp and other internet products that allow terrorists to have communicate about terror attack that can be intercepted and you are all for terrorist having these products.
Time to get off the net and actually think.
Time to get off the net and actually think.
Bob,
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
—Ben Franklin
History, is for those who actually think...
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
—Ben Franklin
History, is for those who actually think...
8
Hard to imagine how far China could have progressed without the Communist Party. Look how far they have come with just partial freedom of thought.
Why doesn't the rest of the world simply tighten the filters on China.
12
Never mind that Australia wants to not allow internet product that allow terrorists to have safe communications.
As China tightens its tenuous grip over its population, it simply makes itself look worse to the rest of the world. In a few decades when it all backfires and Hong Kong and Taiwan are recognized by the rest of the world as independent nations and China remains as stagnant as ever, they will only have themselves to blame.
13
I don't agree. I think China will be a democracy in a few decades. Even though much is being made of their "great firewall", communication is getting easier as time goes on, not harder. A thousand years ago there were no democracies. Today 2/3 of nations are democracies. Graph those numbers and a prediction is easy.
China has been one of the more exclusive ethnic-nations for a long time. It reminds me of the layers of gates that you have to go through just to reach the Emperor. And even then, you can only stand a few feet away. Their censorship does not make sense, it has very little to do with their national security, and it only works to oppress the people. It might just be a power play on their part.
4
China is a dictatorship ruled by Chairman Xi of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (if you are confused, the NY Times refers to the man as "President Xi).
The people who make and who use Apple products made in Chinese sweatshops empower the dictatorship.
The people who make and who use Apple products made in Chinese sweatshops empower the dictatorship.
7
Wait.. this is coming to near by states soon, if GOP & DJT continues in power after 2018.
3
No kidding. Trump will block all legitimate news and only allow Daily Caller, National Enquirer, Breitbart and Infowars. And maybe Fox if they get rid of Chris Wallace and Sheppard Smith.
What happened to our "master negotiator"? The US has a lead in the internet space, but Trump is letting the Chinese rip us off. The Chinese went to Mar a lago, and Trump got played on both North Korea and trade.
8
I'm sure the Master Negotiator got what he wanted, not necessary what our country wanted.
2
Let's see... why would China want to maintain a cyber wall? Is it, perhaps, that the Chinese government has a legitimate fear that the US would do anything to end one-party rule in China. It's a good bet that the US has a large number of CIA people, and others, actively working to take down the current Chinese regime. Talking with friends in China, it's my impression that most Chinese people are quite happy with Xi's leadership. He has provided economic growth, a reduction in corruption, and security. Chinese people do not use WhatsApp. No one will care if it is blocked. Most Chinese people are willing to live with some restrictions on their lives in order to preserve the internal security of the country. Given what the US is capable of doing (in Iraq, for example) I think this is sensible.
8
Of course most Chinese are happy with Xi's rule, they have zero information to contradict that point. If he is doing such a great job why would he care if people had other opinions? Stop being brainwashed.
9
The Chinese government uses its internet controls to suppress its own people, not merely to prevent outside interference.
3
TF... you are entitled to your opinion, of course. I have spent a great deal of time in China, both in cities and villages. I have many friends there. It is absolutely true that there is less information in China than in the US. However, most people in China simply do not support dissidents trying to change their form of government. The period from 1911 to 1989 in China was nothing but turmoil and suffering. People generally are quite happy with the turnaround. They very genuinely like Xi. Does every country in the world have to be like the US? Are you certain, TF, that you are not the one who has been brainwashed?
7
I fail to understand why people are guaranteed untraceable email or other electronic communication. We did not have that for the U.S. Postal Service. It was secured by laws against interception with allowance for interception with a warrant.
Why did the internet lead to an increase in the standard of confidentiality?
Why did the internet lead to an increase in the standard of confidentiality?
"Why did the internet lead to an increase in the standard of confidentiality?"
Because it's easy to do. One could always (less conveniently) encrypt one's postal mail as well.
Because it's easy to do. One could always (less conveniently) encrypt one's postal mail as well.
The NSA is sweeping up millions of Americans internet communications. It may just be meta data but can still show plenty about a person.
I was just in mainland China. Using the internet was beyond frustrating. Having said that, and perhaps I'm naive, I don't understand what the government is trying to protect itself and its people from. It's a beautiful, primitive, yet progressive country; full of prideful people. Information is not going to change that. I wish the leaders could recognise this sooner than the inevitable later.
6
Apparently the commentators so far believe it is in the US Constitution to allow terrorists and criminals to have non traceable communications provided by American companies.
The world would be a bit safer without products of American companies that allow terrorists and criminals to have non traceable communications provided by American companies.
The world would be a bit safer without products of American companies that allow terrorists and criminals to have non traceable communications provided by American companies.
4
It's tempting to think this is a story about the US, but it's a story about China. Products and software are being developed globally. China's fight against free speech is a fight against the entire world, not just the US.
1
Perhaps it is about time for American tech companies to understand that sovereign nations do not see the internet as a place for non traceable communications for terrorists and criminals. This is not only China but also sovereign nations such as Australia, the US, and other countries that are not happy with non traceable communications for terrorists and criminals.
Time for other sovereign nations that want to protect their nations from terrorists and criminals to ban any internet products that allow any non traceable communications.
The internet was designed for providing access to information. It was not designed to allow terrorists and criminals to have non traceable communications.
Time for other sovereign nations that want to protect their nations from terrorists and criminals to ban any internet products that allow any non traceable communications.
The internet was designed for providing access to information. It was not designed to allow terrorists and criminals to have non traceable communications.
1
I understand what you're saying, but if you think terrorists/criminals pose a greater threat to your freedom than governments knowing every little thing you do, then you don't deserve freedom. And maybe you'd prefer that. I'd still like the illusion that we're free folk.
8
Point of correction...the Internet was designed as a government weapon in the Cold War. It is by design distributed, as a way of surviving individual nodes being taken down. And that's exactly why the Chinese dictatorship can never win in it's fight to stop communication. Just thought you should know. If you want to know more...
http://www.history.com/topics/inventions/invention-of-the-internet
http://www.history.com/topics/inventions/invention-of-the-internet
What did you expect from a place that's ruled over by illegitimate , unelected dictators whose #1 objective is to stay in power and enrich themselves and their accomplices and cohorts?
39
Trump's right. China is ripping us off.
3
Yeah , right. Trump is saying things like that without understanding what has been going on. It is more like a grunting by a player who is losing and not knowing why and what to do. Often such grunting is a bad sign, indicative of the player moving away from solutions.
China's stupid policy in trying to keep it's own people ignorant in this day and age is beyond belief. It denotes deep insecurity, as it must, when constructive criticism is anathema, and where human rights are trampled as a matter of course, to show a system destructive to the huge potential of the chinese folks's mind, a loss in imagination and creativity, so powerfully personified in the despicable treatment of just such a person, Liu Xiaobo. Mr Xi may be able to temporarily muzzle the free spirit of his people but he does so at his own peril and the cruel postponement of justice for all. He is no different from Erdogan's thuggish behavior, or Putin's propaganda to fool the suffering Russians, hoping to re-create greatness and lost glory... by invading others. Each tyrant has it's own methods to subdue the 'masses', all shamefully executed, an awful example to the world. No wonder these thugs are trying to do anything to belittle democracies for their inefficiencies. Our digital revolution, though with it's perils for abuse, are a marvelous instrument to share our common values, and advance the technology for a more inclusive sharing of Earth's marvels.
20
Keeping the populace ignorant is standard operating procedure for all dictators.
officials are complaining because the Chinese are smarter and can't be controlled anymore. Poor baby!
1
Filters going into effect following Xi Jinping's meeting with our negotiator in chief at Mar-A-Lago a few months ago. The Chinese can come here and pretty much do whatever they want but it doesn't work that way for American companies in China.
34
Can someone explain why we have unrestricted free trade with the repressive, authoritarian Communist regime in Red China? With every consumer purchase, we are providing them the capital with which they are creating the next global empire. Does the United States stand for something more than unfettered capitalism?
58
Why? Because we are addicted to their cheap, defective junk.
They take our money and illegally build new islands in international waters so as to extend their borders and their reach.
They take our money and illegally build new islands in international waters so as to extend their borders and their reach.
11
No of course the US stand for anything else in 2017.
@Adk
Turn your iPod, laptop, computer over ans look for "Made in China" then you will possibly be able to answer your question. Foxconn made Apples the wealthiest corporation in the world, or close to it.
The answer likely is "No." Fire your workforce, joint a JOINT VENTURE in a cheap labor market and the top incomes soar.
Turn your iPod, laptop, computer over ans look for "Made in China" then you will possibly be able to answer your question. Foxconn made Apples the wealthiest corporation in the world, or close to it.
The answer likely is "No." Fire your workforce, joint a JOINT VENTURE in a cheap labor market and the top incomes soar.
Dictatorships suppress information and alter the school books.
All this fake news stuff is not new.
The first casualty by Phillip Knightly talks about liars in journalism.