China declares victory in war to control online speech

Many people had hoped that social media might liberalize China’s free speech policies and blow open the door to broader public discourse. However, in the last year China has launched a massive campaign to control online speech and so far the country has succeeded. 

Earlier this year, the Chinese government launched its biggest-ever clampdown against online speech, arresting dozens of people for spreading “rumors” and holding closed-door meetings with some of the country’s most influential bloggers. Now Beijing is declaring victory.