The early idealists and companies and governments have all assumed that the Internet will bring freedom. Yet China proves that this is not the case.
Rebecca MacKinnon
The Internet is a politically contested space.
The relationship between citizens and government is increasingly mediated through the Internet.
The sovereigns of the Internet are acting like they have a divine right to govern.
There are a lot of people that think the Internet is going to bring information and democracy and pluralism in China just by existing.
There is a widening gap between the middle-aged-to-older generation, who still read newspapers and watch CCTV news, and the Internet generation.
There's a real contradiction that's difficult to explain to the West and the outside world about China and about the Internet.
We like to think of the Internet as a border-busting technology.
We're going to get the Internet we deserve, and those people who are the most active in shaping the Internet to their liking are going to win out.
While the Internet can't be controlled 100 percent, it's possible for governments to filter content and discourage people from organizing.