From: The Diplomat

Beijing hopes to make cyberspace “safe and harmonious” territory.

By Jennifer Zhang

China has been eager to claim its “Internet sovereignty” since the 18th party congress, with Internet control naturally topping the central leadership’s agenda. The recently released cyber security law draft, while aiming to codify the previously scattered Internet regulation policies and solidify Cyberspace Administration’s status as the leading Internet governing body, has demonstrated the country’s determination to take a more effective and concentrated approach to make cyberspace “safe and harmonious” territory.

The draft legalized China’s use of the Great Fire Wall to deny domestic citizens’ access to information the authorities deem as forbidden by laws and regulations. Article 43 of the draft states that the cyberspace administration and relevant departments shall notify relevant organizations to adopt technological measures and other necessary measures to block the transmission of information that is prohibited by Chinese laws and regulations.

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