Most Americans would be up-in-arms if the government tried to control how they use the internet. We all generally have the right to say whatever we want to say online (our freedom of speech permits that.) Some governments are fed up with the anonymous attacks and posts that attack government officials and spread gossip through online forums. China recently passed a law requiring all internet users to register with their real names. People are calling this an attack on free speech since the government is most likely interested in figuring out who is talking badly about them. What this new law does, in the greater scheme of things, is hold people accountable for what they do and say online.

The Chinese government is claiming that this new law is being passed to protect the people. By registering with their actual identities the government would be able to protect its users against scams, fraud and junk mail. This decision came about not too long after Weibo took off. Weibo is a micro-blogging site where users can anonymously post comments online. The site has been known for users exposing abuses of official power and corruption in China.

Weibo users are not happy with this new law. One user wrote,

This law needs to be in the US. Especially for the bullies on this site...

[img:$uid]http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/185tlm4s0m6zfgif/cmt-medium.gif[/img:$uid]

GIRLFRIEND, you are insane. They also need a law for stalkerish fluffers like you.

[Edited 12/29/12 9:57am]

it could get really cute,

i would love to meet a few of the 'online gangsters' round here.

i'm dat nigga, here, there, and everywhere...

it's funny that people want freedom of speach AND anonymity.

^^

This is obviously just another way for the Chinese government to keep track of its people, making sure they're as brainwashed as nomral. The computers keep putting ideas in their heads/

This law does NOT need to be in the U.S. I believe in free speech, no matter how hateful it is. Folks need to grow a pair and stop whining about what strangers say about them online. These 'keyboard gangstas' wouldn't have the balls to talk smack to your face, so what the fuck are you worried about?

uPtoWnNY said:

This law LEGALLY CAN'T be in the U.S.

[Edited 12/30/12 13:11pm]

uPtoWnNY said:

This law does NOT need to be in the U.S. I believe in free speech, no matter how hateful it is. Folks need to grow a pair and stop whining about what strangers say about them online. These 'keyboard gangstas' wouldn't have the balls to talk smack to your face, so what the fuck are you worried about?

"keyboard gangstas"

aardvark15 said:

This is obviously just another way for the Chinese government to keep track of its people, making sure they're as brainwashed as nomral. The computers keep putting ideas in their heads/

And their people be giving me ideas to

uPtoWnNY said:

This law does NOT need to be in the US I believe in free speech, no matter how hateful it is. Folks need to grow a pair and stop whining about what strangers say about them online. These 'keyboard gangstas' wouldn't have the balls to talk smack to your face, so what the fuck are you worried about?

I agree with you but....

You mean whinny cowards don't you? I don't say anything here or anywhere else online I couldn't say to anyone face to face or in public. I had someone on my YouTube channel who kept leaving racists rants everywhere. I told them if they wish to record a video response giving their name and showing themselves exposing their bullshit, I'd give the OK. Surprise, surprise.... Nada.

In the case of China there's more here than meets the eye. They aren't concerned about boorish online behavior; they are more concerned about "the people" criticizing the government with anonymity.

[Edited 12/30/12 11:52am]

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

TD3 said:

Its a difference between gossiping & stating facts....

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

Its a difference between gossiping & stating facts....

Yes, there is. You may post facts but you also post gossip. Without proof of what you post here, that's all it is.

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

That's good advice and even though Will is not the first to coin it, you should follow it.

Stymie said:

TD3 said:

I agree with you but....

You mean whinny cowards don't you? I don't say anything here or anywhere else online I couldn't say to anyone face to face or in public. I had someone on my YouTube channel who kept leaving racists rants everywhere. I told them if they wish to record a video response giving their name and showing themselves exposing their bullshit, I'd give the OK. Surprise, surprise.... Nada.

In the case of China there's more here than meets the eye. They aren't concerned about boorish online behavior; they are more concerned about "the people" criticizing the government with anonymity.

===================

[Edited 12/30/12 11:52am]

:this: I also don't say anything here that I would not say in person. There are drama queens here who want to say anything they want who don't want people to respond and say what they want. No one here is threatening anyone else and if they were, that needs to be reported. I think some mistake "bullying" for being called on their bullshit.

I was on my iPod I didn't see the very end of KCOOL's statement.

In that context....

I agree. You have to take into account different points of view will be shared; if you came to this site wanting a chorus to back you up on everything you've typed, you came to the wrong place. Still, what's cool about the org and this board specifically, there's a little something for everyones interest.

uPtoWnNY said:

This law does NOT need to be in the U.S. I believe in free speech, no matter how hateful it is. Folks need to grow a pair and stop whining about what strangers say about them online. These 'keyboard gangstas' wouldn't have the balls to talk smack to your face, so what the fuck are you worried about?

And the church says AMEN!