China has taken many bold steps in sanatizing the Internet that included blocking of websites by using sophisticated Firewall Technology at ISP level. Then in 2004, they come up with very strict guidelines for Cyber Cafes, which led to closure of more than 47,000 cyber cafes. Now the biggest telecommunication operator China Telecom hasblocked 'SKYPE' - the computer-to-telephone service.

'SKYPE' is a freeware software which in addition to chatting, similar to MSN or YM allows users to make phone calls to any phone all over the world at very cheap rates. And in many cases, such calls can be made free like you can call from India to US for free using 'SKYPE' technology.


The advantage of calling at cheaper rates is threatening conventional Telecom companies, which resulted in such harsh steps by China Telecom. Though it is not clear, whether similar move will be taken by other Telecom companies too. But already it has affected many paid registered users all around the world, who used to make calls to China. This move is in accordance with 2004 Internet Regulations to protect against things that "destroy market order."

Earlier in the year, according to a US firm report, China came out with website blocking technology built into the country's basic net infrastructure, which was referred to as "Great Firewall of China", which regulated what people can see. And it blocks many websites like sites dealing with taboo subjects like Tibet, etc, BBC News website, many blogs and also s** sites like Playboy. Anyone trying to visit any of these sites is displayed with a webpage that say 'Page cannot be found or displayed'.

Though online Police patrols on the net. But still people have way out of these restrictions like website  which is 'google' spelled backward' elgoog' slips through the Firewall. Further many technologies are  being deployed to access banned websites.

Still the steps taken by China are commendable and bold. It will be highly appreciated, if India could implement any of such steps... and regulate banned material available on the websites. !!!