The Internet is widely used all around the world, but it does not mean every country has full access to it. Despite it being one of the most advanced technologies in the world, not every country finds it advantageous. In fact, certain countries view the Internet as a negative thing. This is because everyone is free to publish and post online about articles related to the government, political issues or religious beliefs. That includes hatred as well as a chance to criticize the government. Here are some of the countries that have strict censorship over the Internet:
1. Vietnam
Vietnam is pretty strict with its internet restriction. They allow every user to access Google, Yahoo and so on, but they require each and every user to provide their names upfront. If there are any websites created based on communism or government, they will be blocked with immediate effect. Even websites that represent human rights will be blocked as apparently, it violates the law of democratic freedom. Bloggers aren’t allowed to be present at certain events to make their reports, going as far as techniques that are considered harassment.
2. Iran
In Iran, most of the websites that are blocked would be the ones that talk about political or religious issues. All users are able to gain access to the Internet, however, those under the category of website owners, bloggers or webmasters must register themselves with the Ministry of Art and Culture. If anyone ever posts online that critiques the government, they will be jailed or prosecuted. Worse, they could even be killed. It’s common to see various websites being blocked and website owners arrested. To date, more than 20 journalists have been arrested. Not only that, their family members as well as other aspects of their lives are being threatened.
3. Ethiopia
Ethiopia has their own law for anti-terrorism which prevents any form of information from being exchanged when it comes to anti-government. Compared to other countries, Internet censorship here is little to none with almost less than 4% of the entire country receiving access to it. Those that do have access aren’t from their homes though, but cybercafes instead. Despite the efforts on trying to improve the overall Internet system, it still isn’t that fast-moving in comparison to other countries.
4. North Korea
If you think Ethiopia is bad, North Korea is worse. The Internet is entirely being controlled by the government, with not more than 4% of the country that receives access to it. Within the government itself, only some of them are free to roam around the Internet. Even still, the government controls the usage of the Internet very strictly.
5. China
When you thought the most advanced country in the world would have full access to the Internet, but in actual fact, there are certain IPs being blocked, known as the Great Firewall of China, which is a technology that blocks certain access and prevents the information from spreading. The government even deletes some of the content and filters certain searches and might even be threatened to be put into prison.
6. Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, close to half of a million websites are being banned and blocked if any of the information contains sensitive material such as religious beliefs, political issues or Islamic practices. There are several laws being implemented such as the Basic Law Of Governance and Royal Decree On Press & Publications. The ISU (Internet Service Unit) issued a list of blocked websites, including websites related to หนังออนไลน์ฟรี. In order to pursue a career as a blogger or online digital news publisher, you have to obtain a license from their Ministry of Culture and Information, unlike other countries where you are free to report any news freely online. You will be jailed for at least 5 years if you break any of the laws.
7. Syria
The Internet is entirely being controlled by the secret police of Syria. If you visit a cyber cafe, you must register yourself and report the time you log in as well as all your Internet activities. You will be prosecuted or arrested if you happen to threaten national security in any way. The journalists and bloggers tend to suffer the most, including ISIS.
