The Complex Guide to China's Internet Laws

Learn how the Web works in the People's Republic.

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Complex Original

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In 1993, Rupert Murdoch famously said that the Internet would be a "threat to totalitarian regimes everywhere." It makes sense, then, that most, if not all, countries that are widely seen as such have taken great measures to keep the Internet, and its users, under tight control. The goal being to make sure no dissenting opinions are published or consumed. One such country is China. The People's Republic has developed a sophisticated system of filters to block, well, anything it wants. If you ever wondered just how the Internet works under the clenched-fist of China, keep reading. 

Everything Runs Through the Great Firewall of China

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So, it Shouldn't Come as a Surprise that Big Brother is Always Watching

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The Government Uses IP Blocking to Silence Websites

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VPNs Can Help Citizens Get Around the Firewall, But for How Long?

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Oddly Enough, Explicit Adult Content is Not (Completely) Censored

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What's Your Real Name, Not Your Screen Name?

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U.S. Companies are Not Exempt from China's Laws

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Actually, Very Few Internet Companies are on Your Side

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Embarrassing the Government? That's a No-No

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The People's Republic is Great at Trolling

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