Institute For The Future

China uses Internet policy to shape "mainstream public opinion"

The current public pronouncements from the China government regarding Google's assertions of government penetration into Google services has been quite revealing of the persuasive intent of China's deep and comprehensive management of information flow on the Chinese Internet:

 

The Washington Post published a statements from cabinet spokesman Wang Chen on the Web site of the State Council Information. There are several key phrases that caught my attention when I read the article:

 

"Maintaining the safe operation of the Internet and the secure flow of information is a fundamental requirement for guaranteeing state security and people's fundamental interests, promoting economic development and cultural prosperity and maintaining a harmonious and stable society"

 

"Wang said Internet media should make "positive progressive mainstream public opinion ... their main duty" ... "currently, the Internet gives space for spreading rumors and issuing false information and other actions that diminish confidence, and this is causing serious damage to society and the public interest."

 

The whole article is here: www.sltrib.com/technology/ci_14193594