{"id":26987,"date":"2008-10-28T21:53:41","date_gmt":"2008-10-29T04:53:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/chinadigitaltimes.net\/?p=26987"},"modified":"2009-01-30T11:56:59","modified_gmt":"2009-01-30T18:56:59","slug":"cyber-police-try-to-avoid-mass-incident-with-a-preemptive-post","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chinadigitaltimes.net\/2008\/10\/cyber-police-try-to-avoid-mass-incident-with-a-preemptive-post\/","title":{"rendered":"Authorities’ Attempts To Bring Online Public Opinion Under Control"},"content":{"rendered":"

Efforts by local and central authorities to control information and shape public opinion on the Internet are evolving. Three cases illustrating new tactics are below. The first is an example of a preemptive strike taken by local police in Guangxi who responded to netizens’ concerns over a traffic accident almost before they were posted. The second two translations demonstrate the new confidence authorities have in utilizing a team of “Internet commentators<\/a>,” or so-called Fifty Cent Party, to sway public opinion online, much like viral marketing works in the private sector around the world:<\/p>\n

Last Monday, police in Wuzhou<\/a>, Guangxi reacted to a netizen posting photos of an accident involving a police car<\/a> by preemptively posting an assurance on the same BBS that the police were investigating the matter thoroughly.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The following is a translation of the cyber police note above, which was posted less than two minutes after the photos went online, translated by CDT:<\/p>\n

The police car was confirmed to be involved in the accident. The municipal government and police department have directed the Police Inspectors\u2019 Branch to investigate the accident on sight, ensuring that the accident will be handled fairly.<\/p>\n

At this time, the injured person has been sent to the local Red Cross hospital for emergency care by the police; the Traffic Collision Unit of the police department will investigate the case according to legislation. Please do not speculate before the investigation has been completed.<\/p>\n

The highest levels of the police department have declared their commitment to resolving
\nthis issue fairly.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n