Mind Soup

Today, March 12, is the world day against cyber-censorship. This day was initially launched by Reporters without Borders in 2008 and "is intended to rally everyone in support of a single Internet without restrictions and accessible to all." Below is a quote from the March 12 website: The fight for online freedom of expression is more essential than ever. By creating new spaces for exchanging ideas and information, the Internet is a force for freedom. In countries where the traditional media are controlled by the government, the only independent news and information are to be found on the Internet, which has become a forum for discussion and a refuge for those who want to express their views freely.  However, more and more governments have realised this and are reacting by trying to control the Internet. Never have so many countries been affected by some form of online censorship, whether arrests or harassment of netizens, online surveillance, website blocking or the adop...

James Cameron's 'Avatar' may soon be stopped from screening in China, as the authorities apparently feel the movie is subversive. Seemingly, the China Film Group has demanded theatres across the country to stop showing the 3-D version of Avatar from January 23 on orders from Beijing's propaganda chiefs. The Government's concern reportedly is that the citizens of the country may find similarity with Avatar's Na'vi people, who fight to save their planet from humans. The authorities have two reasons for this check on Avatar: first, it has taken in too much money and has seized market share from domestic films, and second, it may lead audiences to think about forced removal, and may possibly incite violent acts. To views relief multiple-screen cinema, in the city of Wuxi, has promised to refund the tickets booked for shows after January 23.