China's Response to Criticism of Cybersecurity ID Regulations
China's Response to Cybersecurity Criticism
In a noteworthy incident, Lao Dongyan, a prominent law professor, was silenced on social media for voicing her critique of the government’s new cybersecurity identification regulations. This controversy reflects a larger pattern of state control over online discourse.
Comparisons to Historical Repression
Before her accounts were muted, Dongyan compared the backlash against her views to the Cultural Revolution's notorious big character posters, which were used to publicly shame and attack individuals.
Implications for Academic Freedom
This development underscores a worrying trend in which state policies on cybersecurity are increasingly infringing on freedoms of expression and academic discourse in the digital age. It raises alarms about the ability of professionals to engage with and critique governmental policies without facing severe repercussions.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.