NationStates Jolt Archive


Censorship of Blogs

Kryozerkia
15-06-2005, 20:06
While I'm sure this isn't new news to many, I thought I'd post it anyway.

I thought of another thread from earlier and the context of it.

Blogs are advertising: Elections B.C. (http://vancouver.cbc.ca/regional/servlet/View?filename=bcv_blogs-election20050512)

Some posters here jumped all over this, saying it was censorship, when in fact, it wasn't even the closest thing to being censorship. So, to these posters, I give you something that is truly censorship...

Microsoft censors Chinese blogs (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4088702.stm)

In the Canadian example, none of the bloggers were ever censored, they were just encouraged to register because they were displaying extremely partisan messages, which under election law in British Columbia is advertising.

In China however...

Weblog entries on some parts of Microsoft's MSN site in China using words such as "freedom", "democracy" and "demonstration" are being blocked.

Chinese bloggers already face strict controls and must register their online journal with Chinese authorities.

Also, upon reading further, you'll notice that they can't write certain things and regardless of content MUST register...

The regulations require the writer of a blog to identify themselves to the authorities.

According to Reporters Without Borders, China is using a system called Night Crawler to patrol web journals and make sure that only registered blogs are published. Unregistered blogs will be shut down.

In the Canadian example, no one was threatened with being shut down; they were being encouraged to register due to their willingness to display partisan messages that could influence the nature of the election outcome.
Texpunditistan
15-06-2005, 20:16
Actually, the US Federal Election Commission, using McCain-Feingold, is trying to censor US blogs saying that any kind of partisan message is considered an "advertisement" for the promoted party/candidate and would therefore be subject to restrictions under M-F (what an ironic acronym). In essence, if you're a blogger, your opinion is now an "advertisement" and can't be displayed within a certain ammount of time before an election. It IS a form of censorship.

I wrote a whole rant (with nifty illustrations) on it here: http://armageddonproject.com/?p=28
Wendover
15-06-2005, 20:27
Can someone please tell me what a blog is?
Sorry if i'm hijacking a thread I just want to know the answer and then I'll leave you alone.
Trevors Stern
15-06-2005, 20:33
Can someone please tell me what a blog is?

Nothing worth reading. Nothing to concern yourself with. A waste of time. Get the idea?
Kyitsu
15-06-2005, 20:50
Okay, this is just my two cents on the censoring blogs issue.

WHY? Livejournals and blogs are supposed to be places where people can write whatever the heck they want, whenever they want! IT dosen't make sense that they would sensor them. Grrr... freedom of speech anyone?

The china thing though... I just don't understand that.
The Eagle of Darkness
15-06-2005, 20:53
Can someone please tell me what a blog is?
Sorry if i'm hijacking a thread I just want to know the answer and then I'll leave you alone.

Blog = Weblog, or online diary. Livejournal is a popular example.