Internet Filtering in China in 2004 2005 

focuses on blocking incoming and outgoing access to URLs that contain certain keywords in the path. 

However, one of the rules employed to block the Code Red worm, Match protocol http url 

 *root.exe* , could just as easily be Match protocol http url  *falun* .

38

It is unlikely that Cisco would choose not to provide customer support or training for specific 

functionality of their products.   Yet without official denial or confirmation, observers are left to speculate 

about their direct involvement in China's filtering regime. 

C. Legal Background 

China's legal regulation of the Internet is extraordinarily complex.  The legal regime comprises 

requirements and prohibitions issued by multiple bodies and administrative agencies; our research 

indicates that at least a dozen entities have authority over Internet access and content in some form.

39

These rules frequently overlap and restate prior provisions.  Conforming to these requirements is made 

more difficult by the broad, sweeping definitions that many regulations employ.  Overall, China's legal 

controls over the Internet have expanded greatly since 2000, indicating increased attention to this 

medium of communication.  Moreover, the number of regulatory bodies with a role in Internet control has 

increased.  This may indicate intra governmental competition for a voice in shaping a medium viewed as 

vital to China's economic growth and political stability. 

1. General Media Regulation 

A number of regulatory agencies combine to control tightly China's print and broadcast media.  

The General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP) licenses and closely monitors publications, 

including newspapers, periodicals, books, and Web sites.

40

  GAPP is assisted by the General 

Administration for Customs, which confiscates publications deemed  harmful to the government. 

41

China's State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television regulates radio, television, satellite, and 

Internet broadcasts

42

, in conjunction with the Ministry of Information Industry, which retains 

responsibility for control of the telecommunications and software industries and Internet content 

provider licensing. The Ministry of Public Security is responsible for general regulation of Internet 

38

 Cisco Systems, Using Network Based Application Recognition and Access Control Lists for Blocking the "Code 

Red" Worm, available at http://www.ccert.edu.cn/upload/1/35.pdf. 

39

 See Appendix 2 for a list of these bodies. 

40

 Congressional   Executive Commission on China, Freedom of Expression   Laws and Regulations, at 

http://www.cecc.gov/pages/virtualAcad/exp/explaws.php#clampdown (translating  Notice Regarding Resolutely 

Clamping Down on Illegal Publishing Activities  of Jan. 25, 1996). 

41

 Regulations on Customs  Administration of Printed Materials and Audio/Visual Materials Imported or Exported by 

Individuals Via Carriage or Post, July 10, 1991, translation available at 

http://www.cecc.gov/pages/virtualAcad/exp/explaws.php. 

42

 See, e.g., Measures on the Administration of Foreign Satellite Television Channel Reception, Aug. 1, 2004; 

Measures on the Administration of Broadcasting Audio/Visual Programs over the Internet or Other Information 

Networks, Jan. 7, 2003, translations available at http://www.cecc.gov/pages/virtualAcad/exp/explaws.php; see 

generally Richard Cullen & Pinky D. W. Choy, The Internet in China, 13 Colum. J. Asian L. 99, 116 (1999). 

8