Report translates redacted pieces of Chinese Internet policies

HRIC got a copy of the original and translated the redacted portions as a way to argue that China’s Web policies are more draconian than the country admits.

According to the HRIC translation, one of the redacted portions discusses blocking harmful content from overseas. “We will perfect our system to monitor harmful information on the Internet, and strengthen the blocking of harmful information from outside China, to effectively prevent it from being disseminated in China through the Internet,” it reads.

Another redacted piece looks at how the government can use the Internet for propaganda purposes.

“Government agencies at all levels and in all regions have gradually built mechanisms to guide public opinion through integrating the functions of propaganda departments and actual work departments, integrating online media and traditional media, and integrating major news websites and commercial websites,” the paper says.

The redacted lines also demonstrate the country’s aspirations on cloud computing. “At present, there’s a popular saying in the Internet industry: ‘Whoever seized that cloud will control the future,’ ” a redacted portion states.

According to Sharon Hom, HRIC’s executive director, the redacted version demonstrates that China has more than one narrative about its approach to the Web: Its internal policies differ from the official narrative it offers the Chinese people.

“The authorities were not prepared to disclose to the Chinese people precisely how they plan to use and control the Internet,” her organization’s report says.

HRIC takes a strong stance against China’s policies. “The whole international community should see there are stakes [in Chinese Internet censorship] for everyone,” Hon said.