State Censorship of the Internet in China.

The article presents information on the state censorship of the Internet in China. The Internet represents a double-edged sword for the government of the People's Republic of China. The Internet is also the first medium to realize the principles of free speech and self-governance, effectively breaking the Communist Party's monopoly on public information. Nevertheless, state authorities still monitor the Internet closely and censor undesirable content and usage (such as criticism of the Communist Party and calls for political reform). In late 2004, Beijing also launched a nationwide crackdown on online computer games, banning foreign games with sensitive political content as part of its attempt to shield the country's youth from "harmful" influences. The Chinese government maintains the world's biggest prison for cyber-dissidents. Amnesty International has identified more than 50 people imprisoned there for posting subversive messages or articles. The state goes to great lengths to control Internet use by ordinary people in China. Nevertheless, this new medium not only enables economic growth but expands freedom of expression and transforms information exchange.