Chinese Filter a No-Go

“The Chinese Government has announced that all personal computers will be required to contain software that filters the Internet.”

Only a week ago Newsy.com reported the Chinese government had introduced a mandate that all PCs contain a web filtering software called “Green Dam Youth Escort”. The government said it was to block access to unsavory Internet content, while opponents suggested it was a censorship tool. Now as FOX News highlights, the Chinese have backed down, reversing the move.

“The Chinese government has abruptly reversed its recent demand that all computers sold there after July 1st carry a controversial Internet filtering software.”

But, The New York Times is refuting the reversal - saying U.S. computer companies have seen no change in the policy…

China Daily says that the government was feeling the pressure from citizens, some of whom…

“…chose to publicly vent their frustrations… The anti-Green Dam website, lssw365.org has already received 10,400 comments from netizens, most of whom seem to be using their real names.”

The Wall Street Journal notes that despite offering a public forum for feedback, the government still tried to skew polling results for the software…

“…[a] sudden avalanche of “support” votes caused many to argue about the credibility of the voting.”

Adding to pressure against the software, New Tang Dynasty Television says the filter - designed in part to block piracy - may have itself been pirated…

“U.S. software company Solid Oak is alleging that Green Dam uses code that was stolen from its CyberSitter program. A report by the University of Michigan last week backs up this claim. It even found text from a 2004 CyberSitter news bulletin that was included—probably accidentally.”

Still, not everyone thinks the software should go - China Tech News.com explains why the software is crucial …

“It is important that Chinese users use security software, and industry-led initiatives have not worked. Only a government mandate can get the job done.”