China Internet Regulations

I'm not sure what to make of this story about China's new internet regulations:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20091222/wr_ ... internet_1

Comments or Opinions?

The government is determined to gain a tight control of the people's access to the internet in that country for some reason. I'm not sure what the motivation is, other than restricting access to information not approved by the ruling party. I don't like it one bit, though. It could create a dangerous environment.

Thoul - the purpose of controlling internet access is controlling citizens daily lives. It's immoral and unethical, but it gives them the results they desire. With 10 times the population of the U.S., China still only has 1/10th the crime rate.

I don't know how much longer it'll be before regulation in the U.S. picks up to the point where it would be a lie to say the U.S. is still a free country. I don't think it's going to take very long tho... especially with that new healt-care reform bill...