On April 2, the Chinese government announced that three major internet companies had been investigated and fined for having pornographic content on their internet platforms. The three companies include massive internet search engine Baidu, news website NetEase, and Alibaba-backed dating site Momo whose recent IPO raised $216 million. These actions are in line wit
h the government’s campaign to sweep out porn and strike out rumors by removing sexually explicit and politically objectionable material.
Internet censorship campaigns began in 2013 when the government began to erase web content that was deemed politically sensitive and potentially destabilizing. Moreover, since 2012, President Xi Jinping has pressed for a significant tightening of what’s permissible for Chinese internet users to access. This stands in stark contrast to internet use in the US. Although the US government actively collects data on internet usage, it does not limit users’ access to most content that would surely be deemed objectionable by the Chinese government. As media censorship continues to become the norm in China, it will be interesting to see how it affects consumer activity. If consumption is hindered by strict censorship, it will be yet another stumbling block for China’s economy to restructure itself. Further, if highly profitable brands such as Momo continue to be fined for their activity, they will likely seek an alternative user base potentially outside the grasp Chinese regulations.
Censorship of “voice” is one thing, that of “porn” is another. Why, if they have the infrastructure to locate and take down sites, should they not do so? Now the definition of “porn” varies, but surely there is a lot of really noxious stuff out there by anyone’s standard, even the standards of those who “consume” it. There’s also plenty of exploitation associated with porn.
Contrastingly, I can see how the censorship of porn (if mostly limited to explicit items) could also increase user bases for certain markets. Many may find such websites with porn inappropriate or offensive and may opt to not use the website any further. For example, you do not see porn on amazon or eBay.
I agree with Professor Smitka, I understand how taking down politically aimed material would be a thing. However, to take down something like porn crosses in to the realm of telling the people what their interests should be. It goes beyond trying to limit rebellions and seditious acts, but is attempting to control what citizens’ do for “fun”.
As long as it is not consumed by people who are underage, I don’t see why China should censor porn. Adults should be free to chose what content to consume on the internet, even if it’s not something considered appropriate.