China mulls further social-network controls

Communist Party officials in Beijing have flagged up concerns about the growth of micro-blogging websites in China. According to a Reuters report, China may be pushing for more robust controls of such sites. The article cites a commentary piece written for the People's Daily by individuals who pen the Communist Party's …

[Anonymous Coward]

While in the West

we prefer to stifle genuine opinion and keep the astroturfers.

[Kenno]

Obviously taking a leaf out of the British government's stance

Re the riots...

But tbh this is a sign that the PRC can't do whatever it wants anymore. Its too big of a beast to keep closed, since prior propaganda campaigned and censorship didn't work. And increasingly cause a Streisand effect. Like Li Gang. And the My Dad is Li Gang cover up which failed.

[rciafardone]

Actually...

It is much more likely that middle east is the actual source of inspiration. Not that the "reds" need anything external to trigger their media control zealousness. Remember that China is a country with 1 single party, everyone's else political views are filtered trough it or squashed.

Communism isn't nice with people... that's why they put the word up there in their name.

People's Republic of China... Orwell would be proud.

[Anonymous Coward]

Communist?

China is only 'communist' by name. Having worked there for a long time, I can assure you it is full of ruthless capitalists, only in the game for money, for themselves.

Check out of the ideology of communism, and it's plain to see China doesn't embody it. It's totalitarian*

(original post said 'authoritarian' in a burst or angry fist on the keyboard. It's NOT authoritarian!)

[adnim]

Which side is your bread buttered?

Does this:

"Unless administration is vigorous, criminal forces, hostile forces, terrorist organisations and others could manipulate public sentiment by manufacturing bogus opinion on the internet, damaging social stability and national security."

Read as this:

"Unless administration is vigorous, individuals, free thinkers, libertarians and others could manipulate public sentiment by spreading truthful opinion on the internet, damaging authoritarianism and populous control"

[DougW]

Because free speech is

more dangerous than illegal/fake drugs or knockoff nike shoes.

[Shocked Jock]

@ adnim

Interestingly, I picked up on the other notable statement:

"Among the many controversies stirred up on the internet, many are organised, with goals and meticulous planning and direction, and some clearly have commercial interests or political intentions in the background" - just the perfect introduction to the way the CCP and Murdoch's organs try to defile public debate.

[Tree & Tree = Dirty Tree]

Double Standards?

"Unless administration is vigorous (...) others could manipulate public sentiment by manufacturing bogus opinion on the internet, (...)."

"This is alone our privilege!"