Great Firewall of China: How to Build and Control an Alternative Version of the Internet

The book 'Blocked on Weibo' highlights the fragility of the online infrastructure and China's influence on global Internet freedom. It provides an incisive history of the Chinese internet and the struggles for access to information within the Great Firewall. The book also shows how the Great Firewall has spread its effects beyond China, affecting speech, dissent, and online organizing. It calls for a radical new vision of online liberty.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 14 March 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The online infrastructure we all rely on is surprisingly fragile, and China's immense technical and political power is a cause for concern. Jason Q. Ng, the author of "Blocked on Weibo," highlights this in his book. An urgent reminder about China's pursuit of cyber sovereignty, which undermines global Internet freedom, is provided by Kristie Lu Stout, CNN.

Adam M. Segal, in his book "The Hacked World Order," provides an insightful history of the Chinese internet, introducing us to the government officials, business leaders, and technology activists who are fighting for access to information within the Great Firewall.

Once considered a mere porn filter, China's "Great Firewall" has evolved into the most sophisticated system of online censorship worldwide. As the Chinese internet continues to grow and online businesses thrive, speech is controlled, dissent is quashed, and attempts to organize outside the official Communist Party are swiftly suppressed. However, the consequences of the Great Firewall extend beyond China's borders.

Through extensive investigation, James Griffiths gained unprecedented access to the Great Firewall and the individuals whose lives revolve around it. He sheds light on the extent of distortion, post-truth, and fake news that the Firewall has enabled. Griffiths demonstrates how far the Great Firewall has spread, emphasizing the need for a radical new vision of online liberty.

In conclusion, the fragility of the online infrastructure and China's significant influence raise important concerns about global Internet freedom. Books like "Blocked on Weibo" and "The Hacked World Order" provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the online world. It is crucial to advocate for a vision of online liberty that respects human rights, promotes free expression, and safeguards against censorship and surveillance.

Weight: 650g
Dimension: 164 x 243 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786995353