Pekingology The Locknet: How China Controls its Internet
Aug 7, 2025
In this discussion, Jessica Batke, a Senior Editor for Investigations at ChinaFile, and Laura Edelson, an Assistant Professor of Computer Science, dive into China’s intricate web of internet control. They reveal how the Chinese government collaborates with platforms for censorship, impacting information flow and political dynamics. The conversation also touches on American users flocking to Chinese social media amid bans and the global repercussions of China's censorship tactics on internet freedom and privacy.
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Red Note Censorship Unfolds
- When half a million Americans joined Red Note to protest a TikTok ban, China quickly intervened to segregate Chinese and foreign users.
- This event revealed the stark contrast in user expectations about the internet between China and the US.
Understanding the LockNet System
- The Chinese internet control system, called the LockNet, works on three levels: physical infrastructure, platform service controls, and state regulations.
- This multi-layered approach integrates dynamic and adaptable censorship beyond a static firewall.
The Paradox of Content Moderation
- Platforms face a paradox where content moderators must identify and remove forbidden material without fully knowing its details.
- AI and machine learning help, but human oversight remains necessary due to the covert nature of censorship.