BEIJING - In recent weeks, bars, cafes and hotels located in the eastern district of the capital have been required to pay -- at their own expense – 20,000 RMB ($3,105) to set up a “Network monitoring system.” This fee permits them to continue providing their customers with the right to surf the Internet on the premises.
Most of these places were told by the police to install a “Safety Management System of Internet Services in Public Places”, as reported by the Beijing News. The “system” would provide them with wireless networks, and allow for the government to control the information about the users. How considerate of the police!
We are told that the mandatory installation of the software is being done for the benefit of our Internet citizens, and the public interest more generally. We know that the rapid development of the Internet not only promotes progress in society, but also brings with it negative influences. Many criminals use it for online fraud, drug-trafficking, gambling, and spreading harmful information -- as well as computer viruses. It poses risks for the country and the public interest, and can add major new costs for businesses.
The system is an excellent idea indeed! Just like two years ago, the same justification was used when the Ministry of Industry planned to force people to install a monitoring system called “Green Dam” that was provided free by the government. Eventually, though, this proposal succumbed to public opinion, and was abolished.
The question is who is going to guarantee citizens’ privacy? In particular, who is to protect those citizens who use the Internet to anonymously criticize corrupt officials or reveal the authority’s abuse of power? We have yet to get an answer on this from the public authority.
Read more:
http://worldcrunch.com/china-when-state-wants-protect-you-owning-your-privacy/3552
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