China has around two million people policing public opinion online, according to a state media report that sheds light on the country’s secretive internet surveillance operations.
Using keyword searches, their job is to sift the millions of messages being posted on popular social media and microblogging sites such as Sina Weibo, regarded as China’s equivalent to Twitter. They then compile reports for decision makers, the report said.
The number of people monitoring internet activity to prevent criticism of the government and social unrest has been a subject of discussion for years, said David Bandurski, editor of the University of Hong Kong’s China Media Project.
I – Word Understanding
Sheds – a simple roofed structure used as a storage space or a workshop
Micro blogging – the posting of very short entries or updates on a blog or social networking site, typically via a cell phone
Social unrest – rebellion is a refusal of obedience or order
II – Have your say
1. Two million sounds like a big number; it seems that the Chinese government will do what it takes to monitor any potential collective action on social media. The Chinese government is still in communism, isn’t it.
2. Somehow, Chinese government made several impressive policies.
One Child Policy
Homeland Security
3. A new NSA in Utah built the largest data center in the world, with some 1 million square feet of space. Engineers have said the center will dwarf even Google’s largest data hub. What its purpose to the world?
