In China, a major censorship crackdown is underway. Here in America, Google found itself in hot water and reversed a controversial decision. Is online censorship near?
Earlier this week, it was announced Google would ban sexually explicit content from their Blogger site. Days later, they reversed that decision, claiming it would have negative effects on those who express themselves with nudity and adult content. This ban would affect those with Blogger accounts for 10 years. Instead, Google’s Blogger will crack down on commercial porn. I wonder did Google reverse this decision because they know Blogger users could easily go to Tumblr and other social media sites.
Then there’s the latest Chinese crackdown on the Internet. New laws are being passed to further tighten their government control over the Web. To make way, more than 60,000 online accounts are being deleted. But it’s Chinese Internet conglomerates that lead this censorship charge, such as Alibaba Group Holdings and Tencent Holdings. But they’re telling the Chinese people the crackdown is to combat terrorism, porn, ID theft and other social ills. Effective March 1, laws will go up throughout China to prohibit ‘deceitful’ identity and demand online users to submit personal information while registering for online services. If you’re approved by the registry, then you’ll be able to use the Internet…under a watchful eye.
These are just two reasons I wonder if online censorship is closer than we think. I’m thankful Google reversed their original decision. I’m convinced they did it because a lot of Blogger users cried foul and some probably even threatened to take their business elsewhere. But China has one of the strictest online policies in the world. I’m concerned about social online ills as much as anybody, but forcing the people to register is hardly going to change anything. Whose to say an online hacker or predator won’t slip through the cracks even after he/she registers? Can China’s strict online policies come to the US? Or is that too far-fetched?