Slashdot Mirror
Self-Censoring 'Chinese Wikipedia' Launched
Billosaur writes "New Scientist is reporting that Baidu, China's largest search engine, is launching its own version of Wikipedia. The site, Baidupedia, differs from the more well-known Wikipedia in that it is self-censoring." From the article: "Unlike Wikipedia, which allows anyone to create and modify entries, Baidupedia is censored by the company to avoid offending the Chinese government. Entries to the encyclopaedia must first pass a filtering system before being added to the site. Baidupedia bars users from including any 'malicious evaluation of the current national system', any 'attack on government institutions', and prevents the 'promotion of a dispirited or negative view of life'."
So ... you feel that freedom of speech isn't a inherent right for the Chinese?
That's correct. I don't believe that freedom of speech is an inherent right. Neither do western governments. If you don't believe me, try reading pedophile poetry in a kindergarten class. Or try spreading state secrets if you come across one.
More to the point, I think freedom of speech might work at one time and in one place, and not at all in other times and places. I'm very much a believer in moral subjectivity.
What I DON'T agree with is trying to impress your own beliefs on another society just because you think yours are better than theirs.