Great Firewall of China

Definition

The Great Firewall of China refers to the extensive system of internet censorship and surveillance implemented by the Chinese government to control the online information accessible to its citizens. This digital barrier restricts access to various foreign websites and platforms, while also monitoring internet activity within the country. It serves as a tool for enforcing state-sponsored censorship, particularly targeting explicit content and political dissent.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Firewall is part of China's broader internet governance strategy, which aims to create a controlled online environment that aligns with the government's values and objectives.
2. It blocks access to popular platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Google, effectively isolating Chinese users from global social media and information sources.
3. The system uses a combination of IP blocking, keyword filtering, and DNS tampering to restrict content and monitor online behavior.
4. China's internet censorship policies have led to the emergence of domestic alternatives to foreign services, such as Weibo and Baidu, which comply with government regulations.
5. The Great Firewall has been both criticized for human rights violations and lauded by some as a means of maintaining social stability in a large and diverse nation.

Review Questions

• How does the Great Firewall of China function in terms of internet censorship, and what are its primary methods?
  • The Great Firewall functions by using various methods such as IP blocking, keyword filtering, and DNS tampering to control what information can be accessed online. These techniques prevent users from reaching foreign websites deemed inappropriate or harmful by the Chinese government. By filtering out certain keywords or blocking specific IP addresses, the Great Firewall effectively shapes the online experience for Chinese citizens, limiting their exposure to global information.
• Discuss the impact of the Great Firewall on Chinese society and its implications for freedom of expression.
  • The Great Firewall significantly impacts Chinese society by limiting freedom of expression and restricting access to diverse viewpoints. This extensive censorship fosters an environment where dissenting opinions are silenced, leading to self-censorship among individuals. As citizens are deprived of unfiltered information, their ability to engage in informed discussions about political or social issues is severely hindered, ultimately affecting democratic engagement and civic participation.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Great Firewall on China's technological development and its position in the global digital landscape.
  • In the long run, the Great Firewall may have mixed implications for China's technological development and its global position. While it encourages the growth of domestic tech companies that comply with censorship laws, it also isolates these firms from international competition and innovation. As global standards evolve, China's closed-off digital ecosystem could hinder its ability to keep pace with advancements in technology and communication. Additionally, this isolation could impact international relations as other countries grapple with issues related to cyber sovereignty and human rights.

Related terms

Internet Censorship: The practice of suppressing or restricting access to information on the internet, often implemented by governments to control the dissemination of ideas and maintain social order.

VPN (Virtual Private Network): A technology that creates a secure connection over the internet, allowing users to bypass censorship and access blocked content by masking their IP addresses.

Social Credit System: A government initiative in China that uses data collection and surveillance to assess the trustworthiness of citizens based on their behavior, including online activity.