Internet Sites Blocked in Tibet

Written by Rebecca Mints

Thursday, 20 March 2008 09:25

After the riots in Tibet, which have resulted in the deaths of more than 80 people, the Chinese government has blocked access to various Internet websites such as YouTube, Google News, BBC, CNN, and Yahoo News, according to the Tibetan government. This has been done in an effort to curb the spread of videos depicting the brutality. The riots have stemmed from demonstrations in Tibet's capital city Lhasa on March 10. It was the anniversary of a 1959 uprising against the Chinese government that led to the Dalai Lama fleeing to India. Per the Chinese government, the Dalai Lama is to blame for the rioting. They say the civilian death toll is at 13, and also site that their own military has suffered casualties as well. The Dalai Lama denies any association with the riots and says he has "no such power to stop it." It looks like China is taking a page out of Myanmar's book - last September Myanmar completely shut down internet access to the entire country. They were trying to stop people from viewing pictures or video and sending them out of the country. The Web was a likely catalyst for some of the protests there, and also aided in global condemnation of the violence against the protesters. A user that goes by Amdo2007 on YouTube has posted two videos, both of peaceful demonstrations. One is of the Tibetan monks and the other shows people marching. One of the videos from Amdo2007 has been "flagged by YouTube's user community," as well as many others forcing users to verify they are at least 18 or older. There is also other footage that depicts burning buildings and people damaging store fronts. Some of the footage has been obtained from tourists in Tibet and has been picked up by stations such as the BBC. As China's press is run by the state, foreign media have been banned. CNN reports that they have been unable to send a report team to cover the action. REFERENCES: COMPUTERWORLD Google News, YouTube blocked in China amid Tibet riots