PC firms face China decree...

[zapionics<alt>]

BEIJING -- China plans to require that all personal computers sold in the country as of July 1 be shipped with software that blocks access to certain Web sites, a move that could give government censors unprecedented control over how Chinese users access the Internet...
Chinese executives involved in the effort say the software is intended to block access to pornography...

Read the story here or Also here

The problem is that we dont know if the software will only be used for the stated purpose or for filtering other politically motivated content... given the "Great Firewall of China" then we have reason to assume the latter... Otherwise its great that parents will have some software available to help stop their kids viewing porno.

But what happens if the software causes issues with an installation? Will a company like Dell be forced to provide service under warranty?

[Dodsfall]

Something tells me that the real reason isn't blocking pornography, but rather stopping political dissent. The Chinese government does not tolerate political dissent.

[zapionics<alt>]

China backsdown... installation now optional

[Maico Shark]

In my view totalitarian governments should be banned from the internet altogether. They are more obscene than pornography.

[syncmaster_abx]

When ever I install web access - ADSL router , in a family ,
always the parents ask me for software solutions , to limit the access of the kids computer , from porno sites and other nasty sources .


From my point of view its not all black and white , its always and the grey as choice .

[Vheox]

Originally Posted by maico shark

in my view totalitarian governments should be banned from the internet altogether. They are more obscene than pornography.

no internet for you!!

[darkstar_abx]

Originally Posted by syncmaster_abx

When ever I install web access - ADSL router , in a family ,
always the parents ask me for software solutions , to limit the access of the kids computer , from porno sites and other nasty sources .


From my point of view its not all black and white , its always and the grey as choice .

I have run into this situation a few times and give the same answer, please do it yourself. I do not want the parent coming back to me after the child cracks the firewall saying I did not do enough.

China will use thier strength to suppress any cultural diversity... by any means possible.... and US companies will continue to patronize them.

[Rick_EE]

Originally Posted by syncmaster_abx

When ever I install web access - ADSL router , in a family ,
always the parents ask me for software solutions , to limit the access of the kids computer , from porno sites and other nasty sources .


From my point of view its not all black and white , its always and the grey as choice .

Unfortunately, too many people look at governments as parents.