English Wikipedia finds China.
The English version of Wikipedia has been released from the bondage of Chinese censorship! Last week, Chinese authorities apparently lifted the ban, as internet users across the country realized they could now access one of the world's most popular sites.
However, much censorship remains. The Chinese language version and many sensitive political topics remain banned. These bans also apply, or have applied, to other popular sites such as YouTube and Yahoo's photo-sharing network, either in part or in full.
These modest moves to free the internet are likely responses to the International Olympic Committee's request to do so.
However, much censorship remains. The Chinese language version and many sensitive political topics remain banned. These bans also apply, or have applied, to other popular sites such as YouTube and Yahoo's photo-sharing network, either in part or in full.
These modest moves to free the internet are likely responses to the International Olympic Committee's request to do so.
posted by Brian Hoffman at 12:19 AM
1 Comments:
It is impressive that the IOC has called for the Chinese government to relax censorship of the internet and other media. It seems that few countries or agencies have been so influential in bettering Chinese human rights as the IOC. It is undeniable that the entire world will be paying close attention to China in these last few months leading up to the Olympics in August, so it will be interesting to see what other changes the Chinese government will implement upon the request of the IOC.
The question about whether or not China is serious about improving its record on human rights will have to be answered after the summer Olympics. Will China go back to censoring youtube and banning wikipedia after the athletes and the media have left?
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