The Computer & Communications Industry Association appreciates China’s decision to delay implementation of its new Internet censorship tools. China had planned to require all computers sold after July 1 come with Web-filtering software to make it easier to censor content on the Internet.
The following statement can be attributed to CCIA President & CEO Ed Black:
“This shows that when U.S. trade officials get involved, they get results. Internet censorship is a widespread problem and for too long companies have been left on their own to negotiate with other nations. Companies don’t want to be caught in the middle. It’s hard for individuals and companies to fight governments. You need governments to fight governments.”
“We’re pleased with the delay on this issue that is part of a broader, historic struggle between openness and repression — not just in China but Iran and North Korea. Ultimately, we would like to see the U.S. government negotiate issues of Internet openness and freedom in a broad, systematic way as part of trade and other international agreements. That way it’s easier to take action on the trade and human rights issues raised by initiatives like Green Dam.”