Journal 7, June 14

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/nm/20090608/wr_nm/us_china_software

The pornography market on the internet is a worldwide money maker. Access to these adult sights has become less that simple to view. Pop up advertisements and emails provide a simple means of access for people of all ages, with very few restrictions or filters. Recently, the Chinese government has decided to crack down on a child's ability to view this pornography. There government will now force computer manufacturers to pre-install or provide program disk of a web filtering program. The software called, "Green Dam-Youth Escort" will supposedly filter certain words and also is capable of filtering certain images that it detects. China says this is just a means of protecting its children from today's pornography market. Creators of the software have told the media that this software is what it is; simply a means to help fight children viewing pornography. Other speculations are afloat about it though. To many this seems like another means for the Chinese government to have full control over its internet users. Already in place, the government bans a lot of everyday internet sights from its citizens. Some of these sights include YouTube and Microsoft Bing. Many are concerned this new requirement is more than it seems. As an US embassy spokesman said, "We would view any attempt to restrict the free flow of information with great concern and as incompatible with China's aspirations to build a modern, information-based economy and society". I understand this concern from many people, but at the same time I think this is a very good idea. I see no harm in providing this software on all new computers for the customer. After all, the software can be deleted or temporarily disengaged by means of a password. We could use this in America. I understand that there are programs that can be bought for this purpose, but the government providing it to those who purchase computers would help. Most parents will probably just talk to their children about the issue and not spend the money on buying such software. If the government forced computer companies to provide this software it would possibly reduce the likely-hood of children viewing pornography. I understand that many see this as the government trying to control individuals freedoms but because of the fact that the software can simply be deleted or disabled I do not think this is the case. If the Chinese government is sincerely doing this as a means to block pornography from its children, I see absolutely nothing wrong with this; in fact I think the US should take something from this.

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/pcworld/20090608/tc_pcworld/chinademandsnewpcshavewebsiteblockingprogram

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090608/ap_on_hi_te/as_china_internet