Re: “China no longer has internet. It has LAN”
Yannick -Ed
On 16 oct, 11:18, Cathay Seas wrote :
> SOURCE :http://www.lostlaowai.com/blog/china-tech/the-great-firewall-longer-h...
> Please note the interesting reader comments on the website LostLaowai,
> not quoted here.
[This page has been edited on 22 october 209 for clarity by the Editor
of "110 East", the online group of www.CathaySeas.com.
We have also deleted all original posts to prevent anyone from
accessing the personnal e-mails and guess who-said-what.]
Subject : [110 east] “China no longer has internet. It has LAN”
Sent to : "110east online group" <http://groups.google.com/group/
110east>
Date : 2009, october 16. 14h18 (02:18PM)
SOURCE : http://www.lostlaowai.com/blog/china-tech/the-great-firewall-longer-higher-meaner
Please note the interesting reader comments on the website
LostLaowai.com , not quoted here.
"The already unfortunate situation of internet censorship in China –
imposed by the so-called Great Firewall – has been slowly getting
worse this year, making a mockery of claims that the Olympics would
open up China in terms of allowing a greater spread of communication
and discussion.
This year the Great Firewall has metamorphosed from a paranoid bug
into a malignant disease, a raging cancer, blighting creativity, free
speech and the flow of ideas.
Just a few months ago I posted here on Lost Laowai about China’s
massive web-filtering system, and how it was becoming distinctly anti-
social in that it was
targeting social-networking and web 2.0 sites, such as Facebook and
YouTube, which are characterised by allowing a fast flow of
information and ideas.
Bad news: that’s getting worse, and this time there’s no identifiable
reason. Usually, a wave of tightening-up on the internet by the
Chinese government comes
immediately after some particular incident; we saw it right after the
troubles in Tibet, then again in Xinjiang, and recurring at sensitive
anniversaries.
But, this summer, no clear justification for new blockages – it just
seems to be malicious, and that makes it more sinister.
So, to add to lengthy list of blocked websites from earlier this
summer (see the footnote, at the end of this post) we must now add a
few more:
Vimeo
Friendfeed
Bit.ly (URL shortening service)
Post.ly (URL shortening service)
Blip.tv
Yahoo Meme
Google Documents (accessible again)
Fileden.com
iTweet.net (a twitter web app)
Twitzap (a twitter web app)
Dabr.co.uk (a twitter web app)
TwitterGadget (a tiny twitter app on iGoogle)
The situation really is getting ridiculous. A few other ways to access
twitter still exist, thankfully.
Just this afternoon one China-based expat on twitter commented that
“China no longer has internet. It has LAN” (h/t @illuminantceo), which
is an apt description of how insular and freaky it’s getting.
It’s not just an inconvenience to laowais, remember.
Such a crackdown has economic repercussions for everyone in the
country, as well as drastically stifling creativity and the sharing of
ideas
(those last two, obviously, are actual aims of the Chinese government
who implement the Great Firewall).
It’s impossible to quantify the economic damage done by this web-
filtering, and it might even amount to quite little, but undeniably it
costs a lot of companies extra time and frustration, and limits some
companies in dealing with foreign clients and partners.
So, this second major wave of censorship is clearly aimed at slowing
or stopping the flow of information and ideas.
It’s visible, too, in the Chinese webosphere, where severe Terms of
Service on websites or constant filtering of content means that
’sensitive’ material is spotted and deleted (and the account removed)
possibly within an hour of offending content being posted.
Try putting up a sensitive video on Tudou or Youku, and see how long
it lasts.
Thus, Chinese websites don’t get blocked, as such, as there’s already
that two-pronged devils fork of enforced compliance.
Foreign-based websites cannot be similarly coerced, so they just get
blocked.
Even Virtual Private Networks are under stronger attack, as detailed
quite recently by Rebecca Mackinnon (requires a proxy or VPN to access
inside China).
Anger is clearly mounting over this. Right now, on twitter – despite
there being fewer ways to access it – I can clearly see hundreds of
tweets regarding the Great Firewall – labelled as #gfw and #fuckgfw –
by younger tech-savvy Chinese people detailing sites that have been
newly whisked away into purgatory, and also expressing a hell of a
lot
of anger aimed at the web-filtering system and the government in
Beijing as well.
Just a few days ago, at the World Media Summit which was this year
hosted in Beijing, China’s President Hu Jintao suggested “cooperation,
action, win-win, and development,” in the realms of all world media,
and called for “monitoring by the public and the safeguarding of the
rights to be informed, to participation, to expression
…..and their important functions put into play,” to an audience that
included News Corporation CEO, Rupert Murdoch.
If you’ve managed to avoid vomiting after such a display of hypocrisy,
then you have a stronger stomach than I.
From where I’m standing, the Chinese government is failing its people
with such extensive censorship; there’s a massive disparity between
the kindness, good-natured openness and eagerness to learn of the
Chinese people, and the paranoid, low-down, two-faced, narrow-minded
bigotry of the Chinese government.
I’m ordinarily against intervention by foreign governments, but right
now I’d love to see President Obama and some European leaders stand up
– in the manner of John F. Kennedy Ronald Reagan on the Berlin Wall –
and say “Tear down this Firewall.”
===
Footnote:
Here’s my previous block-list, from July 31st 2009. All sites
mentioned below except ‘blog.com’ seem to still be blocked.
YouTube
Blogger blogs
Wordpress free blogs
Typepad blogs
Blog.com blogs
Opera blogs
Tumblr
LiveLeak
Google’s Picasa Web Albums (log-in accessible, but borked thereafter)
Google Image search results (very frequent re-set connections)
Orkut
Bebo."
---
From : an ordinary chinese lady
Subject: Re: [110 east] “China no longer has internet. It has LAN”
To: 110...@googlegroups.com
Received: Tuesday, 20 October, 2009, 15:15
Hi 110 east team,
I entirely agree with what your previous message (“China no longer has
internet. It has LAN”).
I am a local Chinese, we ordinary people are not allowed to visit
many international websites as you mentioned, I live such a life with
great anger but I can do nothing about it...
when we search the web through some search engines we must be very
careful to avoid using sensitive words, Chinese government is very
much under hypocrisy,
not only the internet, but all types of medias, we are not allowed to
watch or listen to BBC, CNN and all foreign broadcastings or medias.
We are imposed to receive communist brain wash from the first day we
came to this world.
My email might be monitoring by the government system, it's a great
shame!!!!!!!
An ordinary Chinese
---
From: John C.
Date: 20 oct, 16:48
Subject: Re: [110 east] “China no longer has internet. It has LAN”
To: 110east online group
come to australia !!!!!! the land of the free!!!!...............
jon x x x
---
From: Cathay Seas' crew
Date: 20 oct, 16:51
Subject: Re: [110 east] “China no longer has internet. It has LAN”
To: 110east online group
Dear ordinary Chinese,
Thanks for your reply.
It's good to receive news from within (and to see that e-mails can
still come and go freely).
For what it takes, we'll try to blank your personnal details online on
110 East. Should be enough to keep you at peace if we don't go further
in the bad words.
Also... it would be a good idea to have a "spare" e-mail adress like
ordinary...@domain.com for example.
This is true for everybody, not just the Middle Kingdom citizens.
(i have four of them just myself, for commercial ads, for unknown
people, for forum posting and so on)
Can you access 110 East online, by the way ? <http://groups.google.com/
group/110east>
At least Facebook is available from Hainan island and we're not sure
why. Hong Kong is all fine.
We (Cathay Seas) are cautious about this subject because we know our
readers/writers in China are subject to pressure.
Indeed, like Life Information always finds a way to pass along. The
present internet blockade in PRC is simply too much, that's our point.
China is strong enough to unlock the flow, much of it at least.
We're waiting for your updates anytime.
Sincerely yours,
- The Crew.
---
From: John C.
Date: 20 oct, 17:33
Subject: Re : [110 east] “China no longer has internet. It has LAN”
To: 110east online group
Hi from the MALDIVES......
I'm an Australian working in the maldives....and to answer your
question, our internet has been completely stuffed for the past 2
weeks so i'm not sure what it can and can't do....sorry....it's still
sick....
I was thinking of moving to China next year for a year.....Is that a
good idea?????
I hate censorship and any liberties being withheld from citizens and
i'm not sure i could keep my mouth shut......(maybe get myself into
trouble)....
i would be coming as an English teacher...... there are many things
about China and its' people I am fascinated with........
jon
---
From: 110 East editor
Date: 20 oct, 18:56
Subject: Re: [110 east] “China no longer has internet. It has LAN”
To: 110east online group
Dear all,
Such a success... no other post on 110 East ever triggered such
traffic... too bad it is on this difficult subject.
For a good start please repeat after me : "(...) it would be a good
idea to have a "spare" e-mail adress like ordinary...@domain.com
for example. (...)"
If you fear anything a little bit critical you should shift e-mails.
Do it now.
John, as long as you are a foreign citizen you should fear nothing in
China except not reading your favorite websites.
Hong Kong is the sole exception with unrestricted access.
Should you engage with defiance in political discussions/public show
off of your deep feelings, at worst you could be simply sent back to
Down Under, you damn Aussie.
If you were a Chinese citizen, it is quite possible that you'd be
blacklisted on the Net, then pressured by face-to-face hearings, then
the same but with larger guys in dark streets,
then... you'd be introduced to the local prison inmates for a looong
time.
Another option is to use satellite access, which can not be restricted
but can be followed up, indeed. Such thing would label you a dissident
straightforward.
In any case, don't forget that you can NOT be anonymous online.
Websites visited, messages posted, e-mails sent (to whom, how often)
or, if you really are "non correct" it will lead to an analysis of the
content of your messages, in the last resort.
This is also true for phone or any whatsoever electronic
communications.
Traces can be followed directly to where the handset is/to whom the
access subscription is paid by.
You want secure communications ? Use pen, paper and learn to live
unnoticed.
On the other hand... this is an online group for surfers...if you
choose the fine place and if you have free time to explore
around...well... China is definitely a secret spot in itself, all
18.000 kilometers of its coastline. Maybe you read that somewhere
already ?
Yes, it was on CathaySeas website.
Freedom of movement is a right for all in China. The place is all open
for physical encounters, sightseeing and (swiftly) broadcasting the
core values of surfing.
You know : fun, healthy lifestyle, environment knowledge,
counterculture, Miki Dora, self expression...
---
From: Cristiano M.
Date: 21 oct, 05:40
Subject: Re: [110 east] “China no longer has internet. It has LAN”
To: 110east online group.
John,
Do NOT come to China. Simply and clear.
If you are the type you said (quote: "i'm not sure i could keep my
mouth shut......maybe get myself into trouble") then stay away.
Because you WILL get in trouble, you will cause embarassment and you
will be frustrated all the time. Unless you are a masochist, why would
you do that?
I've been living here for 5 years already, I love it and I had to make
some compromises : I keep my mouth shut, I do not talk about politic
and other sensitive topics;
on the other hand I meet a lot of nice and friendly people, I study
some Chinese and local culture.
Sometime I get angry and frustrated, but then I let it go. I have to.
It's not my country, I can't do much, so I adapt to the environment.
I've seen foreigners going crazy, literally.
China is't not a place for sissies, idealistic types and not too
flexible people in general.
If you need any info or advice, u can contact me anytime.
Cheers mate,
Cris.
---
From: John C.
Date: 22 oct, 08:01
Subject: Re : [110 east] “China no longer has internet. It has LAN”
To: 110east online group
...Thank you Cris............i will heed your
advice !...........................
---
From: 110 East editor
Date: 22 oct, 01:36
Subject: Re: [110 east] “China no longer has internet. It has LAN”
To: 110east online group.
Dear all, ladies and gentlemen,
Fine point Cristiano.
It's probably useless to try to come in and feel depressed for years,
rather than don't come to China and keep your mental health.
(Australians are well known for mental weakness anyway)
Indeed... i would also say that if you intend to live anywhere
"abroad", listen to Cristiano advice.
On the other hand, if you want to come to China because you are
curious about this country, well, maybe you'll have to question
yourself.
China is not all about censorship, you will not live there forever
(you said 1 year, that's nothing !) and you will be able to make
yourself an idea firsthand (and surf typhoon swells too).
It's also possible to use Hong Kong as a home base, from where you go
exploring the mainland.
Not coming and being still fond of China would be the equivalent of
putting a knee down in front of someone who has a hard look. That
smells defeat.
Given the sensitivity and importance of this online chat, i'm
considering having a chinese translation of it. (Go on Mulan, i'll owe
you a restaurant !)
In text format for easy e-mail forwarding.
Don't know yet for what purpose but we'll find out...
Sincerely yours,
- Editor.
Yannick -Ed
SHANGHAI (Associated Press) -- President Barack Obama is telling
Chinese students that unrestricted Internet access in the United
States is a source of strength and an open exchange of information
makes all countries stronger.
Obama on Monday told a town hall-style meeting that societies benefit
when citizens are able to go online, spread information and share
opinions. Obama says that discussions hold government accountable and
help citizens think for themselves.
Obama says he opposes limits on Internet and communications models
such as Twitter.
Obama half-joked that sometimes he wished information didn't flow so
freely in the United States so he wouldn't have to hear criticism of
his policies. He says, though, that the critics make him a better
leader and the democracy stronger because Obama examines his actions.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.
Cathay Seas information service
Dear all,
An interesting Firefox add-on to simulate the internet as if you were in
China.
This is then for connexions outside China, right ?
Enjoy the information highway, China style ! Try it without Facebook,
Cathay Seas, Twitter, WordPress, Google images and more !
You will find the add-on to download here : http://chinachannel.hk
Please note this add-on is technically NOT compatible with Firefox version
3.5
Sincerely yours,
the China Surf Club | 中国冲浪俱乐部 on Facebook.
Yannick -Ed
Dear all,
In december 2009, Google and several large international companies
suffered a digital attack.
For Google, the hacking involved breaking into customers e-mail
accounts (Gmail), especially chinese, european and american civil-
rights activists.
Some work of reverse-engineering at Google headquarters found out that
the hacking originated in China. A few days afterwards, Google made a
public announcement that it is “no longer willing to continue
censoring our results” on its Chinese search engine (Google.cn), as
the government requires.
Google says the decision could force it to shut down its Chinese site
and its offices in the country.
Since the launch of their search engine in the Middle Kingdom, Google
had been severely criticized for walking hand in hand with China's
censorship policy.
It seems now that the two policies are becoming clearly incompatible
because the company's motto is to broadcast information, not restrain
it.
Meanwhile, in China...
SOURCE :
http://chinadigitaltimes.net/2010/01/its-not-google-thats-withdrawing-from-china-its-china-thats-withdrawing-from-the-world
“It’s Not Google that’s Withdrawing from China; It’s China that’s
Withdrawing from the World”
The twittersphere has exploded with the news of Google’s potential
exit from the China market. CDT has translated selected tweets.
Read all tweets at #Googlecn
- @qhgy RT @Lyooooo: If Google leaves I won’t use Baidu or let my
children or grandchildren use it (If I have them) #GoogleCN
- @clowwindy The wings of some birds are too pretty; to lock them in a
cage to enjoy them is evil #GoogleCN
- @miyafan Now begin doing two tasks 1. Quickly use Google to search
censored material 2. study how to scale the wall #GoogleCN
- @aiww Long live Fanfou, long live Google #GoogleCN
- @zz4040 Google is a real man #GoogleCN
- @laoxipi Netease translated the Google blog’s statement and it’s
already been harmonized #GoogleCN [The Chinese version is available on
Netease as of this posting here H/t @davesgonechina.]
- @Fenng Ten years online has turned me from an optimist into a
pessimist #GoogleCN
- @xuxiaoxuxiao Respect Google for: 1 Doing what you should, even if
it’s not easy 2. Protecting your heart and your clients
- @lysosome On campus discussion forums Google tag has been removed
#GoogleCN
- @mranti Withdrawal of Google means: 1 Scaling the wall is now an
essential tool 2 Techies, you should immigrate. Really #GoogleCN
- @secretaryzhang Dept of Truth orders that news about Google’s
withdrawal must come from Xinhua or People’s Daily; must not be
recommended on front page; and comments or interactive sections must
be closed
- @fqx Google should publicize the GFW blacklist, or at least leak it
to wikileaks.
- @kensenjiha Let me guess the formal name of the GFW: People’s Great
Firewall.
- @huyong Yang Huanning, the Deputy Minister of Public Security said:
We coordinate two large games, domestic and international, and master
two battlefields: online and offline…. Wang Chen, director of State
Council Information Office said: China’s Internet is sufficiently
open, online speech is very dynamic. / what an open battle field we
have!
- @StarKnight: Post-90s generation: Today I scaled the wall, saw an
overseas website called Google, but it was just a copy of Baidu.
Post-00s: What is scaling the wall? Post-10s: What is a website?
Post-20s: What is overseas?
- @ llianyue If in the future #google becomes a sensitive word, then
all websites will hit the wall.
- @jason5ng32: The Tsinghua Science Park security declared “illegal
flower donation” but searching this phrase on Google or Baidu has no
results. China has now created a new term: “illegal flower donation”!
To put “illegal” and “flower donation” together in one phrase, we live
in an era of truly distorted values.
- @hecaitou: After Google leaves China, the world’s top three websites
on Alexa —Google, Facebook and Youtube are all blocked in China. This
is not an issue of Google abandoning China, but one of China
abandoning the world. #googlecn
- @jason5ng32 #GoogleCN The Gtalk signature of my friend who works at
Google China is: fucked
- @hecaitou This is Google! #GoogleInCN
- @codebeta Although I’m not very happy, I have to admit this is
indeed a right decision for Google.
- @tomwng The real excellent enterprises all consider advancing human
civilization as their own responsibility. For those on the other side,
they not only draw the line, but also harshly condemn! Google says no
to the Chinese government— this should be written into human history.
http://bit.ly/cngoogle #googlecn
- @cxzj If Google chooses to leave with dignity, I’ll understand and
support this decision, and see it there outside the Great Firewall. My
only expectation is Google can study the technology on how to break
through the Great Firewall after it leaves, in order to erase its
humiliation of having been emasculated and befouled for so many years
in China.
- @hutianyi If Google leaves the Dynasty unwillingly, I’ll follow it
forever, even I’ll have to use proxy software all day long, or even
pay for VPN. RT @guao: Having found its email system been attacked by
Mainland China, Google claimed it will probably leave Mainland China.
http://guao.cc/mic
- @cxzj: Is it really time to say goodbye to Google? I suddenly feel
very upset in my heart…
- @postdadaist: Legal Evening News just hit the newsstands with a
front page story on Google #googlecn
- @cxzj: It’s not Google that’s withdrawing from China, it’s China
that’s withdrawing from the world #GoogleCN
--- END ---