The Human Side of Censorship: Keyword Filtering and Censorship Directives on the Chinese Internet

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Presented at FOCI 2015 by

Anne Henochowicz

Internet censorship is accomplished not only through technological means, but also through manual controls enforced by the state on the private sector and individuals. In China, central and local government bodies issue directives to Internet companies concerning information and activity that should be deleted, filtered, or monitored. Companies must comply with these instructions in order to remain viable, while individual users who discuss “sensitive” issues online may find their social media posts are made invisible or removed, and may even have their accounts shut down. Government directives are often vague, encouraging self-censorship and overcompensation to stay safely away from the invisible "red line."