The Chinese government has announced a new law that will give it more control over the internet. The law, which is called the Cybersecurity Law, gives the government the power to block websites, censor content, and access user data. The law has been criticized by human rights groups, who say it will stifle free speech and online activism.
The Cybersecurity Law was passed by the National People's Congress on November 7, 2016, and went into effect on June 1, 2017. The law gives the government the power to:
Block websites that it deems to be "harmful" to national security or public interests.
Censor content that it deems to be "illegal" or "unhealthy."
Require companies to store data within China and to give the government access to that data.
The law has been criticized by human rights groups, who say it will stifle free speech and online activism. The law has also been criticized by businesses, who say it will make it more difficult to operate in China.
The Chinese government has defended the law, saying that it is necessary to protect national security and public interests. The government has also said that the law will not be used to censor legitimate speech.
It remains to be seen how the Cybersecurity Law will be implemented in practice. However, the law is a significant step by the Chinese government to increase its control over the internet.
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