Hot on the Web
Blocking of certain websites justified
( chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-12-02 14:12
US President Barack Obama, during his China trip last month, criticized the so-called practice of “internet censorship” and advocated the freedom of expression and political participation as he spoke to students in Shanghai.
He described himself as “a big supporter of non-censorship”, calling freedoms of expression, and access to information universal rights. So again, the so-called China’s internet censorship became a hot topic on the internet and in the western media.
Some westerners frequently complain that Chinese government keeps on blocking some websites. Indeed, certain websites related to certain religious organizations, as well as some pornographic websites are inaccessible from China.
But the blocking is just a means of protecting the welfare of the general public. The internet is providing people with a vast quantity of information, a significant part of which is harmful, especially for those who can not tell the right from the wrong, and the good from the bad.
Some ill-intentioned people are using the internet to carry out illegal activities, including pornography, drugs, and financial swindlings.
Therefore, the governments have the responsibility to protect the interest of their citizens, preventing the good guys from falling prey to internet-related crimes.
There is no such thing as absolute freedom. Every country needs some kind of social rules and guidelines to keep the society harmonious.
Non censorship may give some people the rights to do whatever they want, but it means indulgence, and boost the whole society’s exposure to more evils and sins.
If one day the internet really gets out of control, we can’t imagine what our society will be like. For instance, the famous human flesh search shows that the power of netizens is horrendous.
Moreover, it is not just adults that use the web. The children also do. They deserve better protection while using the internet, protection from the porn, offensive, as well as other illegal stuff.
Therefore, China is right to block certain websites, a practice that is benefiting the general public.
