Title: Gmail blocked in China
Summary:
This article is very clear as it
simply states that after the months of disruption to Gmail with an
anti-censorship advocate, Gmail has been blocked in China. There has been a large
number of cut off with Gmail addresses in China, in accordance to GreatFire.org.
This site is a China-based freedom of speech advocacy group. Google’s transparency
report has shown real-time traffic to Google has dropped in China. Nearly all
of Google’s services have been heavily disrupted in China since June. China
maintains tight control over the internet, quick to act against any signs of
dissent or challenges to the ruling Communist party’s leadership. China has the
world’s most sophisticated internet censorship mechanism, known as the “great
firewall of China”.
Facts/Phrases:
Ø “I
think the government is just trying to further eliminate Google’s presence in
China and even weaken its market overseas,” said a member of the group who uses
a pseudonym.
Ø “Imagine
if Gmail users might not get through to Chinese clients. Many people outside
China might be forced to switch away from Gmail.”
Opinion:
In my opinion, this article
highlights the key debate of censorship and how new and digital media has
assisted in the promotion of censorship. Originally, print and broadcast was
censored in China in order to maintain control over the population of China;
however the internet revolution prompted a ray of light in order to encourage
more freedom and less censorship; however the Chinese government has managed to
block out nearly all foreign companies. This is ironic as Google, known as an
institution that has ruled over the internet with an iron fist is being denied
of growth.
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