Monday, 11 December 2017

Week 7 [11-18.12.2017] Internet Filtering in China


From foundation of human civilization two ideologies are fighting: conservative and liberal. One of approach is to separate and reduce exposure of content for example: religion, sexual, hate and many others. You should be aware that similar censorship is practiced in many countries like Australia and New Zeeland. In this article authors focused on China Internet filtering. I ask you to read this article and answer questions below.
https://dash.harvard.edu/bitstream/handle/1/9696319/zittrain_internetfilteringinchina.pdf?sequence=1


1.       What is your opinion about Internet censorship?
2.       Do you know any local censorship practice in Europe or World for security reasons for example?
3.       Is censorship inevitable?

43 comments:

  1. 1. What is your opinion about Internet censorship?

    I always thought about the Internet as free medium without politics ingeration but when I got older I realise that almost every part of our lives is controlled by others. I think that every for of censorship is bad (we had this in our last political system and we will be having same situation in near future). Of course most of people would think that if they will ban something there will be no posibilites to get forbiden information. We have to remember that still we have got TOR and DarkNet available and this will be very hard to block or censor.


    2. Do you know any local censorship practice in Europe or World for security reasons for example?

    As far as I remember we have list of topics forbiden in Poland and ISP can block this content.

    3. Is censorship inevitable?
    Is hard for me to say this, but yes it is inevitable. We will be controlled more and more by governments and organisations. Orwell is here now. He's livin' large.

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    1. Please don't be so pessimistic. We are intimidated in example A I will finish humankind for example. But still some area in the Internet should be censored. I mean some kind of sexual pages that are really not suitable for young people. Maybe there is some reason why this pages are still exist in the Internet but I do not find to many excuse.

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  2. 1. What is your opinion about Internet censorship?
    Thanks for this article. I can agree with Tomasz that there is almost no part of our life is free of censorshib or control. In terms of Internet China is one of the best known censor but not the only one. Using any social network or anything in the Internet we should keep in mind that it could not reflect the state of the real world as it could be consored by the owners/admins.

    2. Do you know any local censorship practice in Europe or World for security reasons for example?
    I do not know if for security reasons but I know that there are many complains that facebook is censoring some posts.
    3. Is censorship inevitable?
    I think that it is because of human nature. People want to have power and this is the way they can influence others.

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    1. You are right. I can hear from news that Facebook is blocking some political or cultular sites and this is a callange for polish authorities in future.

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  3. It's always difficult to set boundaries, but I think that some content indeed should be banned. For me, it's not about censoring information per se but rather blocking the formation of communities around something universally wrong. For example blocking pedophile's content prevents from an escalation of child abuse which could be much worse if criminals could freely and easily share such content.

    I've already mentioned pedophile's content, but probably websites propagating ideologies like fascism or calling for terrorist attacks are also being tracked and banned.

    For this reason, unfortunately, some kind of control on the internet will always be necessary. The only problem is to not let it go too far.

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    1. You mention about category of sites that should be on list to block. This is my motivation why I am interested in this topic.

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  4. Thank you for this article.
    What is your opinion about Internet censorship?
    1 I think that prohibitions and censorship are superfluous in the 21st century, of course in the orders of the norm. In my opinion, censorship in China is conducted only in order to keep the "party system of the state". A lot of social networks are forbidden, so that people can not anonymously share their opinions. But there are Chinese analogues, with the help of which you can track "who wrote this post," and to bring to responsibility. China has many political problems, such as: Tibet, Taiwan, Hong Kong. In my opinion, all censorship on the Internet, of this type, leads to a dictatorship (tyranny) analogue that is now being conducted in Russia.
    2 Do you know any local censorship practice in Europe or World for security reasons for example?
    Yes, the Baltic countries are filtering their news from Russian propaganda. Recently Ukraine (if it can be attributed to Europe) banned sites of Russian origin. Because of the unstable situation in 2017, many countries in Europe carefully filter the news because of the threats of terrorist attacks.
    3. Is censorship inevitable?
    Everything depends on society, and domestic policy of the country, and of course foreign policy. If the terrorist threat is not stopped, more and more censorship will be made. If you do not stop the propaganda of the aggressor countries. so there will be censorship around. But there are people that are ready to fight with her, the recent news that Ilon Mask wants to distribute all the satellite Internet, which will drastically reduce censorship.

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    1. An idea of stallite Internet that is resistant to censor activities interest me. But this rise a conflict. If some sociaty agree to censor some material and you can skip this practice by using such tools.

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  5. 1.       What is your opinion about Internet censorship?

    Some time ago I thought that Internet will be the place where finally ordinary people can have a voice, publicly speak about concerning issues and talk with other people without wondering. Nowadays we all know it is not like that. We cannot say what we think because especially current political party is getting their’s hands everywhere where they should stay away from. Since censorship is used in all other medias why we thought it will not work in the Internet.

    2.       Do you know any local censorship practice in Europe or World for security reasons for example?

    Well in Poland in public tv some scenes from movies are cut out. In Russia and other insane countries like Korea a lot of things are in censorship.

    3.       Is censorship inevitable?

    As long as there are people who have more power than others I think yes, because this is one of the ways they keep their’s power. I hope that one day it will not be like that.

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    1. In this discussion I reduce my attension to the Internet media which can be a real free speach forum. However sometimes a good moderation is required to defend this influential tool from speach of heate and other trolling practices.

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  6. 1. What is your opinion about Internet censorship?
    In my opinion, every form of censorship is bad. Of course, apart from the content that breaks the law. Knowledge can not be readily available, e.g. "how to do drugs at home"

    2. Do you know any local censorship practice in Europe or World for security reasons for example?
    I do not know the exact example, but it seems to me that terrorist content is blocked. Once I heard about it somewhere.

    3. Is censorship inevitable?
    I think that they will always be in the world - countries, or governments that will use censorship on the Internet, not always for it to be safe.

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    1. As you mentioned not in all cases censoring some sites is a bad practice. To block illegal sites I focus on developed tools from regime to use in good intension. There is however a thin line when good invention is going to be used for political reasons.

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  7. I agree with Adam. It's really diffiult to set boundaries and to decide what should be censored or not. I'm not a censorship fan, but being realistic some forms of censorship have to be kept on the Internet. Things that are universally accepted as bad, wrong should not be popularised and accessed easily. It's really hard to find right balance, but it's not impossible. When it comes to question no. 2, the first example that comes to my mind is Facebook censorship, as we can see, even in social media the post of censor exists.

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    1. Thank you for answer. Perhaps Facebook are not risk to lose many valuable accounts because of some ambiguous content similar to those on onet for example.

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  8. 1. Why is your opinion about Internet censorship?

    I think there is no simple answer to this question. Regarding this article, it might be thought that censoring the Internet is a wrong idea. But if the article was about censoring the Internet in a way, for example, blocking from the inappropriate (sex, violence, vulgar...) videos on YouTube targeted on 0-6 years old children - there is no hesitation and everyone agree that bad videos should be blocked. So where is the truth about censor?

    2. Do you know any local censorship practice in Europe or World for security reasons for example?

    As I mentioned, for example, YT is censored - regarding inappropriate videos targeted at kids, videos that are violating copyrights, etc. If you think about censoring something because of the politics, just remember that for many decades in Europe the Hitler's book was totally blocked. I'm not judging if it was wrong or not (but I can imagine that when something is totally blocked, people get curious and will find a way to read it).

    3. Is censorship inevitable?

    No, I can't agree. I think that people will find a way to omit it. It only increases the curiosity. Still, I can see that this tendency (to censor more and more the Internet) is in power nowadays.

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    1. It's a good way out of censor problem. You mention YouTube filtering - it's exists and no one bothers that some contents are not shown. There are still lot of questionable material on YouTube but this is topic for other discussion.

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  9. 1. What is your opinion about Internet censorship?

    I'm strongly opposed opposed to it. Free speech is not included in all legal systems, but it should be. It is actually on the decline, because developed countries are starting to turn away from it, in favor of PC-based censorship regimes.

    2. Do you know any local censorship practice in Europe or World for security reasons for example?

    There are numerous examples, China is but a small player on the censorship market (also - the article is quite dated). Recent examples include deals between FB and the Merkel administration, new ideas for censorship in the UK (where it is a criminal offense not to reveal one's passwords), and many many instances about some of which you can find out here: https://www.eff.org/

    3. Is censorship inevitable?

    It is a serious threat with high likelihood of materialization, but nothing is inevitable in the social realm. Maybe people will realize their mistakes, and the political bandwagon can be stopped in this respect.

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    1. I'm not sure that every people whould come to mind not to publish illegal materials on the Internet. Perhaps we should accept some level of censorship. See answer above.

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  10. 1. What is your opinion about Internet censorship?
    It have an impact on innovation, creativity, technology, and economy, slowing down progress on every level. Internet censorship creates inequality
    2. Do you know any local censorship practice in Europe or World for security reasons for example?
    Russian government actively competes in Russian cyberspace employing second- and third-generation strategies as a means to shape the national information space and promote pro-government political messages and strategies. This approach is consistent with the government’s strategic view of cyberspace that is articulated in strategies such as the doctrine of information security.
    3. Is censorship inevitable?
    Defending a position by citing free speech is sort of the ultimate concession; you're saying that the most compelling thing you can say for your position is that it's not literally illegal to express.

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    1. Thank you for your answer. I did not expected that right to free speech will be mentioned so many times in comments. I wonder however how to answer the question about China progress despite of Internet censorships.

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  11. 1. What is your opinion about Internet censorship?
    In my point of view Internet censorship is ineffective. If you want to do something illegal in the Internet, you can use the Darknet. I am not for censoring the Internet, but I believe that it should be deprived of the anonymity of the users - if it is possible at all.

    2. Do you know any local censorship practice in Europe or World for security reasons for example?
    Yes, I ‘ve heard about Facebook censorship – some pages or posts were deleted because of its racist character or unethical behaviour. I think that it is for the good of the whole, and especially for the good upbringing of young people.

    3. Is censorship inevitable?
    No, it is only a means that can be replaced by the other one. In my opinion in the absence of censorship, we focus on the free choice of man. On the other hand, we trust in man and in his deeds. it sounds scary but why not try it?

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    1. The good upbringing of young people should comes on the first place.

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  12. 1. What is your opinion about Internet censorship?
    When I hear "censorship", first thing that comes to my mind are bureaucrats with scissors, inspecting all printed and broadcasted content from central institution. This seems to be impossible with internet, unless some entity is as determined and resourceful as China. Other parts of world must resort to "lite" version of censorship. The problem is that existence of Great Firewall fuels research and implementation of methods that then can be sold and deployed elsewhere.
    2. Do you know any local censorship practice in Europe or World for security reasons for example?
    In our country there is this notion that online gambling is such a terrible crime, that we must implement dedicated system to prevent us (and the Children) from this menace.
    3. Is censorship inevitable?
    I think it's a constant struggle, and some forms are inevitable. It is up to us to watch and oppose where we do not agree.

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    1. In my opinion some types of censure is inevitable but still we should not feel it existence.

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  13. 1. My opinion about Internet censorship is the same as the censorship generally. I am against, when it violates freedom of speech, but I am for, when it helps to fight with crimes and other improper behavior.

    2. The positive example is that several days ago Facebook, Google and Twitter have signed an agreement requiring the removal of "hate speech" in Germany within 24 hours. The agreement is the effect of pressure put on Berlin for many months. The inconsiderate admission of tens of thousands of immigrants and censorship in the official media caused many Germans to protest against refugees on social media and the Internet.
    Another news is that the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decided to abolish the principle of net neutrality. This will allow Internet providers in the US to implement transfer restrictions, block access to certain network resources, and impose additional charges for a faster connection. Previous regulations classified the Internet as a basic public service, such as, for example, a water supply network. Their withdrawal will allow operators to block or slow down customer access to selected network resources, as well as favoring their own content and so-called paid prioritization, i.e. offering faster links to gain an advantage over the competition.
    The third example: heads of Internet giants Google and Apple participated in a conference devoted to the Internet network last week. By their presence - and the head of Apple also through the speech - they supported attempts by the communist authorities to restrict access to the network all over the world and remove uncomfortable content from it.

    3. I think the censorship is inevitable for sure. And there are a lot of latest facts confirming that, like those ones I indicated in point 2 above. Too late for such analysis :-)

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    1. My analysis is same as your answer to point 1. :-)

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  14. 1. What is your opinion about Internet censorship?

    I think censorship is bad in general. Information flow shouldn't be blocked. Also, when it comes to the Internet, I agree with some opinions here, that deep web and dark web exist anyway and they won't be censored.

    2. Do you know any local censorship practice in Europe or World for security reasons for example?

    China is the most known example, next to the North Korea. But there are other examples. I especially remember Facebook's war against "fake news". I think I stopped actively checking Facebook also because of this. This "war" was inefficient and many interesting fanpages got blocked.

    3. Is censorship inevitable?

    For the well-known web, yes. But anyway, do you think that every newspaper will publish every article? Obviously not. This is the form of the censorship as well.

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    1. Please don't be upset but what your funpages are blocked by Facebook. Do you have any special hobby or interest? :-)

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  15. 1. What is your opinion about Internet censorship?
    For me it is hard to say. In general I don't think censorship is a good idea. However, when it comes to talk about such phenomena as fascism, hate speech, etc. it is worth getting interested in counteraction. On the other hand, who will indicate what is right and what is wrong? China acts in the opposite direction. It uses censorship for it's own purpose.
    2. Do you know any local censorship practice in Europe or World for security reasons for example?
    Apart from China, North Korea we may consider censorship introduced by the portals like Facebook.
    3. Is censorship inevitable?
    I think that censorship is inevitable. It may take form either of censorship like in China or like on the mentioned portals.

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    1. This is an opportunity for creation of some governmental or private institution that could be controlled.

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  16. 1. What is your opinion about Internet censorship?

    I agree with Adam's opinion that censorship is generally not what we want, but in some cases banning some information is required. There are contents not accepted by the society and forbidden by the law that should not be available on the Internet.

    2. Do you know any local censorship practice in Europe or World for security reasons for example?

    For example YouTube is censored. It is very difficult to find there pornography or very extreme (e.g. fascist) content. As it was mentioned in previous comments, the pedophile, fascist or any other socially and law unacceptable websites are blocked (or at least tried to be blocked).

    3. Is censorship inevitable?

    It is. From the reasons I mentioned above. And of course in the countries like China to manipulate society.

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    1. Thank you for your answer. I think YouTube is an example of good practice censor.

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  17. 1. What is your opinion about Internet censorship?
    Very bad thing. It should never be censored. Of course, illegal content and services should be pursuit but it never should be censored. As our everyday interaction never should be censored and internet is mainly another way of communication between people

    2. Do you know any local censorship practice in Europe or World for security reasons for example?
    Korea is the best example. They live in parallel world because of censorship. In US we will have a different form of censorship. Every internet provider will have legal possibility to block specific services if there are problematic for him and unblock it for specific user after he pay him money. So it is easy to abuse this law

    3. Is censorship inevitable?
    No, there is a strong movement against it in the civilized world so it is not inevitable

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    1. It is very interesting censor that could provide information for payment.

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  18. 1. What is your opinion about Internet censorship?

    In some regions of world censorship is natural consequence of political system. It is hard to imagine dictator allowing opposition polititians to get stronger. I think internet should be as free as possible despite violating the law.

    2. Do you know any local censorship practice in Europe or World for security reasons for example?

    Only case I have heard is about political lobbying in USA. A group of journalists wrote on Twitter offensive sentence about Hillary Clinton and message was deleted. After posting the same sentence about Donald Trump there was no reaction.

    3. Is censorship inevitable?

    Yes, because there will always be stong groups of people willing to influence on another groups of people.

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    1. Probably you are very right about answer to question 3.

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  19. Internet censorship should, in my opinion, only serve to limit the activities of people who break the law or are more likely to break it (terrorists, pedophiles). Unfortunately, this tool is often treated to strengthen the position of governments or political regimes. Such censorship is negative, it blocks freedom and development. In Europe, we see a lot of censorship - firstly, Facebook filters some contents. Similarly, almost all the media do such censorship which is called the lack of objectivity.

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    1. It is sad that even bright side of censorship are seen as tool for government propaganda.

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  20. 1. What is your opinion about Internet censorship?
    It's the most stupid idea ever. In the United States, freedom of speech and expression is strongly protected from government restrictions by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Big period at the end.
    2. Do you know any local censorship practice in Europe or World for security reasons for example?
    Hate speech is censored. Let me quote: There is no better way to fight racism than to stand up and publically condemn it, writes Human Rights Commissioner Tim Wilson in today's Daily Telegraph.
    We shouldn’t look to the law to impose censorship for speech we don’t like. We should invest our energy in more effective methods to normalise acceptable conduct.
    3. Is censorship inevitable?
    No, we will always find a way to bypass it. This is part of the human nature. We can always invent TOR 2.0 and use it.

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    1. You are right that hate speach should be publically condemned but I really fear that people who could do that are less or have more important job to do.

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  21. 1. What is your opinion about Internet censorship?
    It is not present in a such scale but we have some kind of censorship and in a lot of cases it is positive. If you write something stupid and dangerous it will be analysed. It triggers next actions that have impact into our safety.

    2. Do you know any local censorship practice in Europe or World for security reasons for example?
    Maybe it is not some kind of censorship, but each dangerous speech that could be linked with terrorism is verified. Hate speech as Mateusz wrote and so on. I have seen some examples of google censorship: you can see tooltip with suggested phrases when you write czarnuch in search field, but if you enter the "żyd" sentence it is blank.

    3. Is censorship inevitable?
    I think yes. The Internet is powerful and very dangerous area. People thinks that they are completely anonymous online and make a lot of strange things. They can communicate using various methods if they get access to the Internet, what is a chance for crimes / terrorists and so on.

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    1. You are right at answer of question 3. Lot of people fill that they are anonymous and are committing the crime by publishing sites or using it in communicating for criminal activity.

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