Persecution Watch

Tag: still

  • Why Tank Man is Still the Most Dangerous Image in China.

    Why Tank Man is Still the Most Dangerous Image in China.

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    Why Tank Man is Still the Most Dangerous Image in China

    Why Tank Man is Still the Most Dangerous Image in China

    “Tank Man stands for the power of one against an oppressive force.” – Anonymous

    The iconic image of a lone man standing before a column of tanks during the Tiananmen Square Protests of 1989 has become synonymous with defiance and resistance in China. Yet, three decades later, this symbol remains controversial and censored within the country.

    The Power of One

    The unidentified protester, now commonly referred to as “Tank Man,” stopped the advance of a column of tanks on June 5, 1989, by standing in their path. This act of defiance captured the world’s attention and remains one of the most enduring images of courage in modern history.

    “It was the best photo ever taken.” – Jeff Widener, Associated Press photographer who captured the image. (Source)

    A Controversial Symbol

    In China, the image of Tank Man is rarely seen in public or on mainstream media outlets. The Chinese government continues to censor any mention or depiction of the protests and their aftermath, deeming it subversive or contrary to the official narrative.

    “The event has been virtually wiped from official memory.” – Perry Link, Professor Emeritus of Chinese Studies at Princeton University. (Source)

    The Power of Censorship

    Despite the government’s efforts to suppress the memory of Tank Man, the image persists as a powerful symbol of resistance and defiance. The censorship only serves to heighten its significance and reinforce its impact on those who manage to see it.

    “Tank Man is more than just an image; it’s a reminder that one person can make a difference.” – Anonymous


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  • Why ChatGPT is Still a Forbidden Fruit in the Mainland.

    Why ChatGPT is Still a Forbidden Fruit in the Mainland.





    Why ChatGPT is Still a Forbidden Fruit in Mainland China

    Why ChatGPT is Still a Forbidden Fruit in Mainland China

    As of now, ChatGPT, the popular AI model developed by OpenAI, remains unavailable to users in mainland China. The reason behind this lies in the country’s strict internet regulations and its approach towards foreign technology.

    “China has some of the world’s strictest online censorship policies, often referred to as the ‘Great Firewall.’ These policies are designed to block content deemed politically sensitive or offensive,”
    says a report by CNN.

    Regulatory Challenges

    • China’s internet watchdog, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), has a stringent process for approving foreign technologies before they can be legally accessed by Chinese citizens.
    • This process, known as “network security review,” includes extensive scrutiny to ensure the technology does not pose any threats to national security or social stability.

    ChatGPT and Potential Risks

    ChatGPT, due to its ability to generate human-like text, has the potential to be used for spreading misinformation or sensitive topics. This could lead to concerns about public order and social stability in China, making it a challenging proposition for approval.

    “ChatGPT can generate human-like responses, which could potentially be manipulated to spread misinformation or promote controversial ideas,”
    explains an expert from Tsinghua University.

    Alternatives and the Future

    While ChatGPT is not available in mainland China, there are several locally-developed AI chatbots that offer similar services. However, their ability to match the sophistication of ChatGPT remains debatable.

    The question of whether ChatGPT will ever be accessible to users in mainland China remains uncertain. As China continues to tighten its internet regulations and foreign technologies face increased scrutiny, it is likely that the road to approval for such advanced AI models will remain challenging.