How China Is Dealing With Social Media

We all know how important social media is, right? But what happens with social media in a country like China, that still has a lot of problems in trusting its citizen and vice-versa? Could be that they ban social media platforms all together? No, knowing they could never get away with actually banning social media platforms, they found another way.

How could these startups work in the first place? Aren't social media platforms all about being vocal? Especially with the stuff we don't like. Just like at the #sm backlash some companies and governments received after making the wrong foray into this brave new world. Is China any different? Yes, because the companies are working with the government to make sure nothing bad is posted about them, or as they might say, we are trying to protect the people from making obvious mistakes. We call it the Great Firewall, they call it the Golden Shield. No matter what you call it, it's still censorship.

Anyways, here's a nice infograph that shows us all the Facebook, Twitter and YouTube clones found in China right now as well as some of the main reasons that stand behind the success of these platform - not very different from the originals actually.

Courtesy of G+ (not to be confused with Google+!)

 

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My View Of The Sino-Google-ian Conflict

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via economist.com

Given that I didn't have the time to write about the Google-China incident this week (in part due to promotions at work - finally!) I take the opportunity to do so with the help of this cartoon from Kal.

I ahve to point out that I consider the chinese government responsible not some "rogue group" - that's a laugh!

I wasn't a big fan of Google's last declarations regarding privacy and all. But they made me change my mind a little after announcing this week that they are no longer willing to collaborate with the chinese after a group of hackers cracked their security and stole some data - it's been covered by all major publications under all aspects, just google it! :-)

I totally support them. In fact, I would go as far as to challenge all other western companies who value human rights and all the things that make western society so great to pull out of China altogether.

What could such an act accomplish? Maybe show the chinese that they don't rule as much as they thought. It would cause great pains on all levels but it's a lesson that the West can show and handle.

The hive mentality show this past few days by the chinese made me resent them once again after changing my opinion in the past. They need to work on people "skills" if they want to actually play a role in the future of the planet. Or else people won't mind paying extra for freedom of speech!

This is my opinion. Make them beg! Freedom is the most important thing in our society. And I consider it priceless. It isn't free it's a must. And we must sanction those who try and stifle it.

So, let's take action. It might turn out to be a bumpy road but the end result will be worth it.

Peace! Freedom! And speak out your minds!