An interesting video on various national attempts to control how citizens access the internet. The main focus is on China of course, but Russia, Iran and a number of other countries are featured too.
Very interesting. The standard Western liberal position has been that the free flow of information is an unmitigated good, in that it maximises the chances of synthesis which improves our collective well-being. But with China as a major player, and other threats, we can see how unrestricted access to information can damage our industries, markets, and standing with other parties. All countries are in the same position: they want the good stuff (trade, useful ideas, etc.) coming in, but want to keep the bad stuff (foreign governmental influence, radicalisation, surveillance) out. Liberalism is going to be tested to destruction.
And do you remember how people used to say that the internet treats bans and firewalls as temporary problems, and that it works around them - that it was basically unstoppable? Well, China has disproved that.
Sam - yes, China has disproved it by not going for absolute control. To a lesser extent I can see the EU going the same way, although it may be far less competent in its efforts. I hope so.
4 comments:
I like the title !
Sackers - not mine unfortunately.
Very interesting. The standard Western liberal position has been that the free flow of information is an unmitigated good, in that it maximises the chances of synthesis which improves our collective well-being. But with China as a major player, and other threats, we can see how unrestricted access to information can damage our industries, markets, and standing with other parties. All countries are in the same position: they want the good stuff (trade, useful ideas, etc.) coming in, but want to keep the bad stuff (foreign governmental influence, radicalisation, surveillance) out. Liberalism is going to be tested to destruction.
And do you remember how people used to say that the internet treats bans and firewalls as temporary problems, and that it works around them - that it was basically unstoppable? Well, China has disproved that.
Sam - yes, China has disproved it by not going for absolute control. To a lesser extent I can see the EU going the same way, although it may be far less competent in its efforts. I hope so.
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