Free Market in Chains

The always charming Chi-Coms are demanding that PC makers provide them with software that prevents computers from accessing "dangerous" websites. The excuse is the ever-popular "pornography," but reality is dangerous (to the regime) political ideas: China Squeezes PC Makers (subscription required)

China plans to require that all personal computers sold in the country as of July 1 be shipped with software that blocks access to certain Web sites, a move that could give government censors unprecedented control over how Chinese users access the Internet.

The government, which has told global PC makers of the requirement but has yet to announce it to the public, says the effort is aimed at protecting young people from "harmful" content. The primary target is pornography, says the main developer of the software, a company that has ties to China's security ministry and military

When the article says "PC makers," they don't mean goofy little no-name Chinese brands. dell and HP are being asked to do this. The best part of this charming initiative is its name: the "Green Dam Youth Escort." Use of the word "green" shows how hip and with it the Chinese are. They promise a "green, healthy, and harmonious Internet environment" that prevents "harmful information on the Internet from influencing and poisoning young people." Thanks Al Gore!