China has a new plan to expand their efforts to silence Internet users.
China’s Ministry of Public Security has announced that in a bid to better monitor local websites, the country’s security forces are establishing offices at the biggest online firms in the country, implementing a new vetting process for Internet products, and requiring registration of Internet users.
In other words - they’re setting up a team of Internet cops to police any language, products, or innovation they decide is of interest to the regime. It’s a huge government power grab that will undoubtedly make it even worse for advocates for change in a country that already greatly restricts individual freedom.
They’re hoping to pass the legislation under the guise of a security plan, but the bulk of the law isn’t aimed at international foes. The harshest regulations will fall on the domestic population and that reality is already raising eyebrows. In this article, Human Rights Watch is quoted as opposing the proposed legislation, admitting concerns with the possibility of stifling free speech and personal liberties.
“This law will effectively put China’s Internet companies, and hundreds of millions of Internet users, under greater state control.”
The consequences of laws like this - in America or thousands of miles away - can have a serious impact on the future not only of Internet innovation, but of diplomacy and activism. It’s important that we oppose these confining regulations and stand up for Internet freedom.
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-Team Freedom