Dec 30, 2012

China tightens Internet control and imposes the use of real names


       China has passed a new law that citizens are required to register with their real names to access the Internet and other telecommunications services. It's a move some interpreted as an attempt sectors to muzzle already censored Chinese network.


"Vendors will ask users to provide real-identifiable information when signing agreements to grant access to the Internet, fixed-line phone or mobile device or to publish information in the public domain", specifies the resolution, composed of 12 articles.

      As noted several official media during the week, in practice, the new rules will force the Chinese to present their ID when they sign such contracts.

      Although authorities justify the action aims to "ensure information security and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of citizens", some users are behind a will to control the opinions, some critically and hitherto anonymous, Internet users.

An attack on freedom of expression


  While the authorities note that this procedure "is necessary to prevent false accusations" and that already exists in several countries, many users consider this step as an attack on freedom of expression. At present several cases of corruption have been revealed through leaks to journalists and citizens the Chinese forums and social networks.

  Although still unknown the exact consequences of the adoption of the law and do behave in practice, it appears that the Chinese government censor arm-popularly called 'The Great Cibermuralla'-is tightening its policies.

    And you are seeing this, for example, companies that provide VPN, used by dissidents or foreign journalists to enter blocked websites in China. These services, which in recent weeks has stopped working normally.

        Internet users in China have to deal with an extensive system of censorship, especially in politically sensitive issues such as human rights, while sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Youtube are inaccessible without VPN.



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