With the numerous advantages that comes with the internet, you would think there should be nothing like internet censorship. No. Quite a number of governments are petrified with the internet that they go as far as restricting access to it. One thing common with the countries that censor the World Wide Web is that, the government is dictatorial. To enforce and reinforce their dictatorial tendencies, they usually tighten the knob on the internet. Perhaps, the Arab spring is on their minds where civil society explored the internet to bring down once impenetrable governments.
Innovation Village identifies 6 countries that still censor the internet. You will be surprised by some of the countries on the list.
China
China despite its population, technology, military and economic prowess and advancement, it has failed to allow its citizens to freely used the internet. The communist government don’t take likely to dissidents and many have ‘fled’ the country.’China has the most rigid censorship in the world.’ In an effort to check the internet, the Chinese authorities block websites, filter searches and remove divisive contents. As of September 2015, around 3,000 websites were blocked in Mainland China. Websites like Gmail, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter are blocked.
North Korea
With the title of the most secluded country in the world, North Korea can be described a country where there is an internet blackout. Incredulously, only 4% of a population of 25,281,327 use the internet. You don’t expect much from a country where you don’t have coca cola!
Saudi Arabia
The internet censorship in Saudi Arabia is hinged more on morality than the fear of the unknown. The censorship is focused on gambling, religious conversions of Muslims, drug use, pornography among others. In total around, 400,000 websites cannot be accessed in Saudi Arabia.
Iran
In an overzealous attempt to protect her citizens from the immorality of the West and America, the government heavily censors the internet. To blog in Iran, you have to compulsorily register your domain name with the Ministry of Art and Culture. In addition, any website that criticizes the government will be blocked.
Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the worst jailers of bloggers in the world according to Freedom House. In Vietnam, netizens cannot escape prosecutions, punishment, and detentions for online activities. Despite the restrictions, internet access continued to rise with penetration reaching 44% in 2014 up from 39% in 2013. Still, more needs to be done to allow internet access.
Cuba
With President Obama visiting and easing sanctions slammed on Cuba for decades, Cuba has barely changed when it comes to access to the World Wide Web. Cubans mainly use government-controlled access point which makes it easier for them to monitor every activity. Except, you are a pro-government blogger you have to use clandestine means to access the internet.
