People's Voices Under Control: An Analysis of Chinese Internet Users and Public Figures' Responses to Media Censorship
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This thesis explores various aspects of media censorship and surveillance tactics, exercised by the Chinese government, including the establishment of a wide variety of invasive laws and regulations, and the usage of online commentators. The thesis also examines the consequential patterns of reaction, adopted by Chinese Internet companies, regular citizens, and public figures. As a result of extensive literary and field research, this thesis argues that, with the few exceptions of artists and intellectuals, the general public (exemplified by Internet companies and regular users) chooses self-regulatory practices to avoid potential persecution. This, in turn, negatively affects the balance between the control of the state over media and the arts, and its concern with the benefit of the people.