Online Communities in China
Posted by Jeffrey Henning on Fri, Aug 08, 2008
In recognition of the 2008 Olympics starting in Beijing today, I will address some questions about online communities in China.
Paul writes, "I enjoyed your presentation...a solid recap of the ins and outs of communities. I'd be interested to hear about any of your overseas experiences in this arena, particularly in Asia and specifically in China."
We're following with interest Senator Durbin's efforts to come up with a code of conduct for Internet software companies to use when operating in countries where Internet freedom is restricted. According to our staff in Asia, the big concern for community builders in China is the importance of moderation tools, given the lack of the right of free speech and the aversion to subjects that would upset the Communist Party authorities.
Paul followed up by email to ask, "Would that include Hong Kong too now that it has reverted to Chinese rule or do your local contacts feel that things are a bit more flexible on the island as compared to the mainland?"
According to local staff, "Things are certainly still more open in Hong Kong compared to mainland China, but the mainland government still clamps down strongly on dissent, even in Hong Kong. Though they are more flexible, the Hong Kong government needs to seek permission from Beijing. So it is certainly more subdued compared to the time during British rule."
Answering all these questions is turning into a marathon, if not an Olympic event!