Regulations Restricting Internet Access: Attempted Repair of Rupture in China's Great Wall Restraining the Free Exercise of Ideas

Authors

Scott E. Feir

Abstract

The People's Republic of China is in a paradox: While China needs computer networks to assist its plans for modernization, the government fears the uncontrolled exchange of information between China and the rest of the world. Therefore, the People's Republic of China enacted restrictive regulations controlling Internet usage. This comment examines China's attempt to control Internet use in light of these regulations and current censoring technology viewing China as a test case for other countries. Ifa combination of an authoritarian government, restrictive regulations, and physical network controls cannot prevent users in China from accessing and supplying prohibited information, then similar efforts by other countries will likely fail as well.

First Page

361

Recommended Citation

Scott E. Feir, Comment, Regulations Restricting Internet Access: Attempted Repair of Rupture in China's Great Wall Restraining the Free Exercise of Ideas, 6 Pac. Rim L & Pol'y J. 361 (1997).
Available at: https://digitalcommons.law.uw.edu/wilj/vol6/iss2/5