China Wants to Clean Up the Internet

The Chinese government already wants to put a limit on how long kids can play computer games, but now they want to put a limit on what they can see online, too. Chinese President Hu Jintao has launched a campaign to clean up the Internet and rid it of "unhealthy" content.

This isn't the first time that the government has discussed scrubbing the 'net, but Hu seems to be even more committed to the process than he has in the past. With all eyes on Beijing in preparation for next year's Olympics, perhaps he simply wants to put what he feels is the best face on his country. Or maybe he's just trying to cement his hold on the hearts and minds of the public in anticipation of the upcoming congress later this year at which he (should) receive another five-year term. Whatever his motivation, it's damned creepy.

Prepare to feel really, really good that you don't live in China. Here are some key quotes from the summary of the meeting that discussed the cleanup:

Development and administration of Internet culture must stick to the direction of socialist advanced culture, adhere to correct propaganda guidance.

Internet cultural units must conscientiously take on the responsibility of encouraging development of a system of core socialist values.

I think I'm going to go spend an hour reading Cute Overload, then watch this, this, and this, just because I can.

China aims to further tame Web [CNN]