..but for some reason it only perfectly crystallizes in my mind when the government does something that directly affects me..like ban Facebook!
Vietnam is making the transition from a totalitarian society to becoming more open, but its one-party regime still has a total authoritarian mindset. Vietnam has a history of internet censorship and is has always been quick to act and heavy handed on dissent.Apparently, Facebook's ability to communicate and publicize is a new threat and 8 internet providers throughout the country received this note from the party:
“For security reasons and to fight against propagative activities that oppose the Party and the government, Department of Professional Technology – Office of Security Administration – Ministry of Public Security suggests that the addressed companies to apply technical methods to block thoroughly these following websites.”
I use Facebook to alleviate boredom and share life ;) but I am sure there are many Vietnamese using it as a way to move forward, and progress includes dissent..how can the government decide to stop a country from moving forward..it's been said, the first condition of progress is the removal of censorship!
The internet is proving a major battleground between censors and dissidents in Vietnam..
