Cybersecurity and Communist China: A Complex Relationship

The internet, as a free platform of learning and sharing information, has undoubtedly transformed the way in which individuals and society interact with each other. The social aspect of internet use enables individuals and groups to communicate without boundaries. In most developed nations, internet use is encouraged for appropriate purposes and is seen as an integral part of modern lifestyle. However, in undemocratic regimes, this world wide trend may not be viewed in a positive light and the state often attempts to restrict the free and extensive internet usage. China is an example of such an authoritarian regime that exercises strict control of its cyberspace. Although the western world thought this form of control to bring about the fall of authoritarian states, Chinese civilians, on the contrary, support the state’s intervention in managing internet. It is further noted that Chinese participate on the internet extensively to express their opinions and views on vital socio-political matters. Moreover, web based Chinese media acts as a form of opposition to repression and control.

China seeks to silence collective expression while allowing some criticism of the government. The results of their research on patterns of censorship show that the program’s primary function is to reduce the probability of collective action against the regime. Since, collective action, in the form of protests to civil unrest and chaos, can threaten authoritarian regimes, the Chinese government’s ultimate intention is to prevent such possibilities. 

The government censors social media in three ways. First, through The Great Firewall of China, which restricts certain websites preventing international communication. Second, by enabling keyword blocking, which stops users from posting banned words and phrases; and last, manually, whereby censors specifically remove objectionable posts. 

Although civilians are well aware of the censorship they face on the web, they use the very platform to expresses their frustration. The ‘human flesh search engine’ is such an instance of civilians organizing among themselves to exact social justice. 

It appears that Chinese government has somewhat of an understanding with their civilians on the matter of internet access, which maintains the dynamics of power relations within the state. The government reluctantly allows public to form and express opinions that critique the regime as long as those criticisms do not elevate into collective action. By doing so, the government legitimizes itself while safeguarding its position. The nature of this censorship is contradictory to the tenets of democracy that upholds freedom of speech and expression. However, it is also apparent that the Chinese are not completely restricted from speaking their minds. Thus, the vast population of China continues to speak through the Web, despite the draconian measures of cyber censorship.