From The Telegraph Online:
Two new Internet bans may offer insight into the Chinese government’s biggest fears.
One bars Internet news services from inciting “illegal” assemblies, marches and demonstrations; the other prohibits activities on behalf of “illegal” civil groups.
Together, they evince the communist regime’s concerns over growing civil unrest – and particularly technology’s role in fostering protests and strikes, says Julien Pain, who heads the Internet Freedom desk at Reporters Without Borders in Paris.
While the government has been successful at blocking specific Web sites, Pain said, “What is more difficult to censor are usually the forums and chat rooms.”
Add to that Web journals known as blogs, cell-phone text messaging and e-mail lists – all potential outlets for unchecked political commentary.
