China and the almighty Great Firewall…

Living in China and accessing banned media via online routes may soon be coming to an end. Over the last year, China’s State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) organization has closed down hundreds of file sharing networks and websites citing the normal “to protect the children and the people of China” propaganda. Accessing banned digital media can still be found in many markets via traditional CD/DVD options, but even those are drying up. It seems as if all of a sudden the Chinese government is getting big on IP and copyrights. Rather odd considering some of the highest rates of copyrighted and bootlegged material have originated from China.

While blocking and ultimately closing many file sharing sites such as BTChina — which mind you was up to 50 million active users — seems like a good idea on paper, the reality is that illegal files are not the only files shared across digital pipelines. Many legitimate files such as linux distros and information and content in that are in the public domain are two of the biggest things that instantly come to mind. Then there are other things such as banned media that for whatever reason isn’t allowed to be sold within the country. Remember, getting “illegal” content via a digital cable that comes into your house is easy, fast, and efficient. It gives Chinese a window to the world if you will.

Of course, the whole idea that the government can control you and everything you do is absurd to begin with. Forcing people to believe your way of thinking is hardly the way to rule a nation. But I’m just one blogger, what does my opinion matter?

Unfortunately, the many Chinese who stumble across closed sites will simply think that they’re down for some unforeseen reason that is the fault of the web host or site owner — not the government. With that, they’ll continue going on thinking that the government’s oppressive internet policies and draconian control scheme is actually a good thing. The government needs criticism. The people need sympathy.

If you were bound by an oppressive regime, unable to truly express yourself or access content that you wanted, what lengths would you go to?
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