A Canadian human rights group along with computer security researchers have discovered a huge surveillance system that monitors certain Internet text conversations in China. Researchers have estimated that more than 30,000 “Internet police” have been watching for certain political phrases like “Falun”, “Taiwan independence”, and “quit the party” are sent to a server that contains millions of censored messages.
Skype works by permitting mobile phone users with a software on their handset provided by the nearest Skype user to send text messages or make free phone calls. The company President Josh Silverman admitted that China’s surveillance was “common knowledge” and that their Chinese partner TOM Online meet local laws and regulations. “These regulations include the requirement to monitor and block instant message containing certain words deemed offensive by the Chinese authorities,” Mr Silverman said.
If social media is an important organizing tool for civil advocacy groups then what happens when international conversations are recorded outside China?
I guess you are right. Last time, I was reading a blogpost regarding the sensitive issue of Beijing Olympic Games. I have to say the blogpost was pretty offensive but true in some ways. However, When I was trying to re-read it next day, it just vanished, the author told me. Well, I think there is a same system existing in U.S.A, which is called homeland secutity department, to do the monitoring work. But I guess they just won’t delete it.
My question is:
How has China been allowed to scan Skype’s text-messaging conversations? Do they have access to Skype’s proprietary access or Skype is permitting them to comb through their records?
Is this standard procedure for other text-messaging services in China?
More worrying, is China listening in on Skype calls?
Interesting article.