Green Dam Update

The Chinese government has decided to amend its approach to Green Dam. Now the software is only compulsory for school computers and those that are in public places, i.e. internet cafes. The reason for the climb down seems to be a combination of security issues with the software, and protests linked to certain censored websites.

China scales back censorship plans
(LINK)
China Scales Back Software Filter Plan
(LINK)
China explodes Green Dam
(LINK)

Green Dam

“If you dam a river it stagnates. Running water is beautiful water. So be a channel.”
(English Proverb)

Green Dam Youth Escort is software implemented by the Chinese Government to effectively censor the internet, especially aimed at curbing online pornography and violence. The software is to be included on all new computers sold in mainland China. Aside from the obvious issues about internet censorship, it is interesting to note that the potential scope of such software could be widened to cover the protection of copyright materials. As such, content producers may wish to pay close attention to the success/failure of Green Dam.

To learn more, follow the links below:

China's Green Dam and the cyberwar implications
(LINK)
China's porn obsession not just a coverup for political repression
(LINK)
Who is attacking Solid Oak, whose code was stolen for Green Dam?
(LINK)
US calls for China to revoke censorware plan
(LINK)
China throttles Google, U.S. ratchets up trade war over Green Dam
(LINK)
On eve of Tianamen anniversary, China blocks Twitter, Flickr, Bing
(LINK)
China demands new PCs carry spyware
(LINK)
China defends 'healthy development' of spyware
(LINK)
Green Dam definitively blocks political sites - and creates security breach
(LINK)
US developer: China's Green Dam steals our code
(LINK)
Green Dam built on copyright, open source violations
(LINK)
Anonymous netizens offer a July 1 manifesto, posters
(LINK)
US Embassy joins in the Green Dam fray
(LINK)
China's not backing down but Green Dam Girl fights back
(LINK)