The internet has become an integral part of life in the 21st century, and China is no exception. Despite the government’s stringent control over access to online information, Chinese citizens are increasingly using the web for entertainment, communication and purchasing. However, behind this digital façade lies a carefully crafted firewall ecosystem created by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to sanitise content for public consumption.
Google, Facebook and Twitter are all blocked or heavily censored in China, banning any discussion that could be seen as critical of the CCP or supportive of democracy. Instead, users are presented with messages that promote consumerism and entertainment. This lack of democratic freedom has been expertly documented in the new documentary “Inside The Chinese Web”, which looks at how the Chinese internet works today.
“Inside The Chinese Web” features interviews with some of China’s most prominent internet personalities who discuss how they maintain their businesses despite tight censorship laws. They also share revealing stories about how technological advances have enabled greater freedom for those living under the CCP’s rule. From bloggers to tech entrepreneurs, each story highlights a unique perspective on what it means to live and work within such a restrictive system.
The documentary is essential viewing for anyone interested in understanding more about this complex issue; not only does it provide an insight into the reality of life under China’s digitised dictatorship, but it also shows how emerging technologies can help empower people in ways never imagined before. As technology becomes ever-more ubiquitous across society, “Inside The Chinese Web” serves as a reminder of why we must always monitor its use in order to protect our fundamental freedoms.
