Chinese censorship on the wane?

Internet censorship in China is on the wane, according to new research from the BBC and Reporters San Frontieres.

However the study, carried out by the BBC Chinese Service, is investigating only chat rooms and forums. Previous research by the Harvard Law School revealed that a string of respected sites, including The Guardian, The BBC and Amnesty International, had been blocked.

The study was carried out by a senior BBC producer, who wishes to remain anonymous. He tested various chat rooms by posting political statements and awaiting the response.

The survey findings provoked criticism from The Inquirer, which claimed: "The evidence for the report is that online forums and chat rooms are showing less evidence of interference, but that could be because these spots are intended to regulate themselves."

A report in the Online Journalism Review said that each site surveyed had a different news focus, so while some topics would be allowed on one forum, they may not be allowed on another.

Last year’s research by the Harvard Law School also found that a range of Tibetan, Taiwanese, US government and pornographic sites were blocked.

Sources:
http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=5199
http://www.theinquirer.net/print.aspx?article=9659
http://www.ojr.org/ojr/world_reports/1053660077.php

See also:
http://www.journalism.co.uk/news/story658.html
http://www.journalism.co.uk/news/story626.html
http://www.journalism.co.uk/news/story535.html

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