- December 11, 2009 6:58 am
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?
Read Write Web
Count this as a small victory for computer users everywhere, especially those residing in China. Announcing via Xinhua, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced that a mere 1 day before the July 1st deadline was to go into effect, they have decided to hold off on any mandatory install deadline indefinitely as to give “computer producers more time to put the order into effect”. Which…loosely translated and stripping out the PR BS means “there was so much public outrage and disapproval at home and abroad….we just scared!!!” Not everyone will benefit however as school and internet cafe computers are exempt fromt his new revelation. The Ministry also went on to say that Green Dam would be available for download to anyone who wanted to install it on their own terms, (like that’s going to happen).
**Update** As suspected, the rollout of Green Dam is not cancelled, but merely postponed. Several manufacturers are already bundling the software with new PCs. Those manufacturers include: Acer, Benq, Haier, and Sony. Other PC manufacturers such as Acer have stated that they are planning to roll out the software bundled in with new PCs at a near term future date. Manufactuers HP, Dell and Toshiba are still mum on when or how they plan to rollout Green Dam.
In what can be a sad revelation and truth to come to terms with, the U.S. of A. is not as steadfast in their “free internet” beliefs outside of home grown soil. While the internet in the U.S. is uncensored, and hopefully will remain that way for…..ever, it seems we have different motives elsewhere. When you take a step back and look at the bigger picture, the west *that’s the U.S….among others* is one of the top providers and supporters of internet censoring software and tactics outside of U.S. borders. Surprised? I was. So how exactly has the U.S. aided such anti-American tactics abroad?
Whether you agree or disagree with the Chinese Government’s policies, one that should be universally condemmed is that of forcing spyware on your computer. The software in question, “Green Dam Youth Escort” filtering software is claimed to be there “for the kiddies”, protecting them from all of the trials and tribulations of the internet. Besides the reports of massive security holes in this less than legal software, it appears that the almight iron glove supports theft as CyberSitter developer Solid Oak has claimed to have found equally massive amounts of stolen code. Super! Naturally, Solid Oak wants shipments haulted and is in the process of filling out a lawsuit. Tisk tisk. Seems as if that heavy handed approach is coming back to bite them them you know where. Karma is indeed a bitch. But then again, that isn’t there thing…is it?
**Update** China has made a big 180 and doing something very un-China like due to vast amounts of criticism from various sectors public and private. Apparently the Chinese government is now stating that users can un-install the Green Dam software without facing any penalties or sanctions. +1 for the Chinese people!
Source: Engadget, BBC, Image Source
As yet another prime example is revealed as to the uselessness and ineffectiveness that censoring software such as the Green Dam, one has to stop and ask themselves the question as to if governments and other larger bodies actually do their homework and think over the consequences and problems that such software can bring with it. If you’re wondeirng exactly what I’m talking about, Green Dam is the software that is now required by Chinese law to be installed on every new and old PC in order to help block the country from “harmful” materials. Harmful meaning anything remotely close to sexual or that which criticizes the BS excuse of what is claimed to be a government “for the people”. Political position aside, it seems that the Green Dam isn’t exactly the greatest “dam” if you take the word quite literally in that a simple buffer over flow is all that is needed to take over any machines with the software installed. Ok super, what could anyone possibly want with a hi-jacked computer based in China? Simple – spam bot baby! It seems the method in which the censoring software analyizes URL’s is the reason for the vulverability. Get ready for a 1 billion strong bot net in 3..2..1..
Source: Ars Technica
