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Complete Net Cafe Shutdown After Beijing Fire

Posted by timothy on from the quash-quash-quash dept.

lunchlady doris writes: "The BBC has this story that tells of a fire in an internet cafe in Beijing that killed 24 people. The mayor responded to this tragedy by shutting down all 2,400 cafes in the city, most of which are operated illegally. Only 200 cafes will be allowed to reopen, pending municipal regulation. Needless to say, the netizens of Beijing are pissed and see this as a move to quash the limited access to the net that the Chinese people currently have."

7 of 284 comments (clear)

  1. BSA in Beijing? by Mudcathi · · Score: 4, Funny

    The BSA doesn't mess around in those developing countries, does it?! Betcha the 200 shops that re-open will have their documents in order...

    --

    "He who throws mud, loses ground." - proverb

  2. China: why wouldn't you want the net? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Come on you know you want your citizens downloading streams of Eminem in tights. Just admit it!

  3. Re:How do you shutdown illegally operated netcafes by Zocalo · · Score: 3, Funny
    I note that the article doesn't say how the cybercafe is "operated illegally", and given the track record of the Chinese government for suppression of the Internet lots of people are assuming they are some speakeasy type dive. It could just be that they sell coffee and danish that are past their sell by date you know, or more likely given the deaths, infringe on lots of safety regulations.

    Just playing devil's advocate...

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    UNIX? They're not even circumcised! Savages!
  4. Re:if only you knew.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    It's to protect the windows from flying bodies hurled during the frequent kung-fu fights that happen on the streets of Beijing.

  5. Careful With That Net by SEWilco · · Score: 2, Funny

    For the safety of those around you, the Internet should only be used outdoors. Just outside every building you can see groups of people clustered together, off to the side so they don't block traffic through the doors. Even in winter you'll see them outside for several minutes at a time.

  6. Re:How do you shutdown illegally operated netcafes by phunhippy · · Score: 3, Funny

    To be honest, does one fire in one cybercafe really justify the closure of all such establishments?

    No of course not! It justifies the closure of the entire internet for safety reasons however! please unplug your computer now :)

    --see thats a joke people.. humor.. itz a good thing..

  7. Re:if only you knew.... by yatest5 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Windows are often barred

    Should be popular on Slashdot ;-)!

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    • Mod parent up! [a] by Anonymous Coward (Score:5) Thurs, June 31, @13:37