Sound of Hope Radio Network
By Ai Lin and Yu Shan

After Google announced its possible plan to quit from China, the Global Online Freedom Act (GOFA) drafted by U.S. Congressman Chris Smith (R-N.J.) in 2006, has once again been put under the spotlight.

The GOFA, a bipartisan bill, was re-introduced by Smith and Congressman Frank Wolf (R-Va.) in 2009, but it has yet to be brought to the floor of the House for a vote.

It is designed to help U.S. Internet companies resist attempts by repressive governments, like China and Iran, to make them a party to their censorship and surveillance. It was crafted because it is difficult for these companies to stand up to China when they are asked to block Internet sites, censor search engine results, and help the regime identify political and religious dissidents.

Regarding the possible influence of the GOFA on China, Mr. Caoan, a well-known commentator on issues related to China, addressed the consequences during an interview on Sound of Hope Radio (SOH).

Caoan said that information flow between China and the democratic world is unbalanced. “It is well-known that Beijing’s media, such as CCTV and People’s Daily, can broadcast or publish freely in the United States. Yet U.S.media are not allowed in mainland China. This violates the principle of equality of the WTO.” Moreover, Beijing can also shield true information from the Chinese people with its great Internet firewall.

The Asia-Pacific Human Rights Foundation began to promote the GOFA, appealing for equality in communications around the world since early 2007, he continued.     more …