Ordinance for Security Protection of Computer Information Systems (China)
Date: 1997
Region: Asia
Subject: Explicit Sexuality, Political/Economic/Social Opinion
Medium: Electronic Media, Internet
Artist: Various artists, activists and writers
Confronting Bodies: Chinese government
Dates of Action: December, 1997
Location: China
Description of Artwork: Any work defined as a "computer crime" that may "leak state secrets," or "promote political subversion, pornography or violence."
The Incident: On December 30, 1997 the Chinese government passed a law restricting the aforementioned discourse in order to "safeguard national security and social stability." The new law mandates a fine of up to $1,800 U.S. dollars for internet providers who violate the law.
Results of Incident: The law became the precedent that has silenced and banned provocative and political writers such as Mu Zimei (2003), Lui Di (2002) and Zhou Weihui (2000).
Source: Index on Censorship, 2/97
