Protesting China's Required Censorship Software

dinoyum writes "Censorship in China is nothing new, but the level of action taken to force Chinese citizens to comply has garnered global recognition. China marked the date July 1st, 2009 as the day manufacturers will be forced to install filtering software on all new PCs. While many have resorted to digitally lashing out against Green Dam, Chinese artist and designer of the famous Bird's Nest at the Beijing Olympics, Ai Weiwei has decided upon a different approach. '[He wants] a general internet strike — no work, no games, no email or anything else online — for 24 hours on the date the government plans to require censorship software on all new computers, he says, will be a quiet act of rebellion. Not coincidentally, July 1 is the 88th anniversary of the Communist Party of China. Though he posted the idea, Ai wants to leave the meaning to those who participate. "I gave almost no explanation about why I'm doing it," Ai said. "I just give the structure and people will fill in their own meaning. I don't want to be political first. I wanted to set up an act that everyone can easily accept, and then realize the power later. I want people to see their own power," he said.'"

Comments

Futile

[Jaysyn]

For some reason I just don't think the MMORPG junkies will be able to tear themselves away for a whole day. Or the daytraders. China has daytraders, right?

Re:The Unfortunate Hurtles Ai Faces

[jimbolauski]

Ai Weiwei press report on July 1.

"Greetings fellow comrades after careful consideration and reflection I have decided to help glorious China design a new labor / reeducation camp, I invite all my friends who oppose China's decisions to join me there.

Forget silient protest

[sakdoctor]

1. Ai Weiwei want you to get your ass behind a proxy, for the July 1st raid of critical government sites.
2. ???
3. Shit bricks!