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OpinionLetters

Letters to the Editor, September 23, 2017

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An internet cafe in Beijing. Being able to access ­information from around the world can broaden horizons. Photo: EPA
Letters

Censorship of internet affects critical thought

I refer to the article about a man who was sentenced to nine months in jail because he sold virtual private networks to ­bypass internet censorship in mainland China (“Man jailed for selling VPNs to evade ‘Great Firewall’ ”, September 5).

I wish to ask, first of all, is the law that bans VPN apps reasonable? I do not think so. I believe mainland citizens should be able to access ­information from around the world, to broaden their horizons. Also, rigid censorship may create social ­instability, as people may think that the government is aiming for thought control and that may create discontent.

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Secondly, why does the central government apply internet censorship? This issue is very complicated. I think foreign websites, such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, are blocked so that any sensitive ­information or inflammatory speech, especially anti-communist opinion, does not spread around the country.

Thirdly, compare the degree of freedom of expression in Hong Kong with that in mainland China. In Hong Kong, we are free to access different websites and download apps, which keeps us connected and better informed. A ban on information, I believe, may affect critical thinking. I hope the central government can rethink its stance on internet censorship.

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