Chinese Government Spells Out Internet Restrictions After Google's Exit

The Chinese government announced topics it censors on the Internet, including material which may damage "state honor and interests" or "subverts state power." No organization can "produce, duplicate, announce or disseminate information" on topics which may be "against the cardinal principles set forth in the constitution," or which may "instigate ethnic hatred," jeopardize "state religious policy," or spread "superstitious ideas," China's State Council Information Office said in a 31-page policy paper on the Internet issued June 7.

Material which can disrupt "social order and stability," spreads "obscenity, pornography, gambling, violence, brutality and terror" or abets a crime, "humiliates or slanders others" or infringes on people's "lawful rights" is also banned, according to the report. "Other content forbidden by laws and administrative regulations" is also prohibited online, according to the document. "With their right to freedom of speech on the Internet protected by the law," Chinese citizens "can voice their opinions in various ways on the Internet," it said.