A Guide to Everything Banned in China

The People’s Republic of China, under its current regime, has implemented stringent controls over its digital landscape, creating a unique and highly restricted internet environment. This digital landscape is shaped by the “Great Firewall,” a comprehensive system of internet censorship. The recent reports from Freedom House in its “Freedom on the Net 2023 Country Report” have continued to place China in a notorious position, ranking it as the country with the worst internet freedom globally for the ninth consecutive year​​​​.

The Mechanics of Control

The control exerted by the Chinese government is multifaceted. The government maintains strict control over China’s gateways to the global internet, enabling it to restrict connectivity or access to content hosted on servers outside the country. This is evident from incidents where human rights activists and their families have been subject to targeted internet disconnections. For instance, in February 2023, ahead of the annual “Two Sessions” meetings, authorities disabled internet service for a Wuhan-based activist and his family​​.

The Decline of Anonymity and Rise of Self-Censorship

The Chinese government’s approach to managing the internet extends beyond mere content restriction. In 2022, Weibo, a popular social media platform in China, started showing the IP location of its users. This move, followed by other platforms, was officially required by the government, essentially marking the end of anonymity online. This change has had implications for self-censorship, with many users reportedly adjusting their online behavior due to their location being publicly displayed​​.

The Role of AI in Internet Censorship

China’s approach to managing the internet has evolved with advancements in technology. The use of AI, especially in the form of generative AI chatbots like Baidu’s Ernie Bot and Alibaba’s Tongyi Qianwen, has become an integral part of internet censorship in China. These chatbots are required to follow stringent content controls set by the government, particularly on sensitive issues like Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Tiananmen Square. As a result, these chatbots often either disseminate state propaganda or avoid responding to sensitive topics altogether​​​​.

The Impact on Society and Dissent

The impact of this pervasive internet censorship is profound on Chinese society. While it has led to a significant decline in internet freedom, it has also fostered a sense of resilience among some citizens. There have been instances, such as the protests against China’s strict zero-COVID policy in late 2022, where public mobilization led to policy reversals at the national level. These events highlight that despite the oppressive environment, avenues for expression and agitation for change still exist, albeit limited and fraught with risks​​.