TAR Nation is on vacation (don’t worry, not the forced kind), so leave it to the rest of us to call buncombe on Global Times. Its latest un-bylined editorial is about the Internet:
However, due to the complicated nature of exposure on the Internet, we must strengthen regulations over it.
Brace yourself. It’s that kind of editorial.
China’s legislation on the Internet and actual management over it have been moderate so far.
Indeed, it hasn’t affected my productivity at all or made me angry.
The impact of censorship has been far less than the impact of the public’s enthusiasm for freedom of expression. In the long-term game between censorship and netizens, the former is the loser.
I don’t know what this means.
Problems caused by the Internet have been accumulating. It advocates individual freedom, but at the same time severely damages it.
The above is probably the greatest line I’ve ever read in a Global Times editorial. The Internet advocates individual freedom, but at the same time (EDIT) causes individuals to be thrown into jail.
Opinions on the Internet are always radical and Western views are highly politicized. China’s regulations over the Internet should focus on one specific question: Whether these regulations benefit the Internet’s long-term development and whether they help promote human rights and democracy.
I’ll just provide the rest with onomatopoeias.
It is time to regulate the Internet.
Mmm.
Such a view is actually embraced not only by the authorities but also by the public who fear that their privacy may be intruded upon.
Hgykhk.
This regulation will not affect netizens’ activities on the Internet but only provide more security.
Blam!
People who feel constrained by it are those who create waves online or even use the Internet illegally.
There you have it. If you are having Internet problems, it’s because you’re using the tool illegally. It’s your fault. Why can’t you be happy with your Baidu and Bing? Internet gives and gives and gives, and all you do is take. You greedy malcontents.
Also see: People’s Daily: “The Internet is Not Outside the Law.”
Freedom not at odds with online regulation (Global Times)
For a chuckle, just swap out all mentions of “Internet” and replace with “cadre.”
I am of the opinion that the PRC uses the internet illegally. Where can I voice my complaints? For 3 days I’ve had Chinese internet police trying to illegally hack one of my sites… again. For my own security and protection I’m sure…
I was just about to ask where TAR had gotten to, miss that grumpy guy (when he reads GT or its ilk).
This is the best part:
And if the answer is yes, then that law should be repealed.
He’ll be back. A person can take only so many GT and PD editorials without a break.
That is a fact. People get burnt out by reading that shite too much.
I recommend regular trips to tropical locales. And if the locals are attractive its helpful as well.
To be fair, it’s not just those using the internet illegally. It’s also the people making waves. Don’t make any waves and there won’t be no trouble, internet folk.