Censorship

Censorship is a term that plays a central role in political and social discussions worldwide. It refers to the suppression or control of information, opinions and content by state or private actors. While censorship is very pronounced in some countries, in others it is largely hidden or exists in subtle forms. In authoritarian regimes in particular, it is a widespread instrument for controlling the population and maintaining power structures. What does censorship mean? Censorship, in a general sense, is the targeted control of information in order to suppress or manipulate certain content. Government censorship is defined as the systematic monitoring and control of media, books, films, the internet and other forms of communication by governments. Censorship can be exercised directly through laws or indirectly through pressure on media houses and platforms. It often restricts freedom of expression and prevents the population from having unhindered access to information, which is particularly widespread in totalitarian regimes. Censorship and the Basic Law In Germany, freedom of expression is protected by Article 5 of the Basic Law. The sentence "Censorship shall not take place" is a central component of this article. What does "censorship shall not take place" mean? This sentence is intended to ensure that the state does not restrict freedom of the press and freedom of expression. However, there are also legal limits in Germany, for example on the dissemination of glorification of violence, child pornography or hate speech, which are seen as protective mechanisms for democracy. The Basic Law attempts to strike a balance between freedom of expression and the protection of society from dangerous content. Censorship on the Internet The Internet has revolutionized the dissemination of information, but it is also an arena of increasing censorship. Authoritarian states in particular are using their power to control the internet and block or manipulate unwelcome content. A prominent example of internet censorship is China, where the government restricts access to many international websites. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter or Google are not accessible in China and local alternatives are offered instead, which are strictly monitored and controlled. Social networks such as TikTok are also subject to censorship. Although TikTok is used worldwide, there are reports that certain content critical of the Chinese government is removed from the platform or not made visible, even outside of China. This type of censorship is an example of how an authoritarian state can extend its control over the flow of information internationally, which is also noticeable in countries such as Germany. Countries with censorship Many countries around the world use censorship to consolidate their power and maintain control over the population. Which countries have censorship? In addition to China, Russia, North Korea and Iran are among the countries with the strictest censorship measures. Internet censorship in particular is widespread in these countries. In Russia, especially since the Ukraine conflict, independent media have been increasingly suppressed and international platforms restricted. Access to information is also heavily controlled in North Korea – the population does not have free access to the global internet and only receives state-censored news. Which country has the most censorship? China, however, is considered the country with the most extensive censorship measures. The Chinese government controls almost all media and platforms in the country. Internet censorship is institutionalized in China through the so-called "Great Firewall", which blocks access to foreign websites and monitors the use of search engines and social media. Why is there so much censorship in China? The Chinese government sees censorship as a key means of maintaining social stability and Communist Party control. Politically sensitive topics such as human rights, democracy or the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests are systematically censored. Even modern platforms such as Clubhouse or messenger apps like Signal were quickly censored after they were recognized as potential platforms for political discussions. The censorship even extends to smartphones. Reports on Xiaomi smartphones suggest that the devices contain censorship functions that could block certain terms. Apple's App Store in China is also subject to censorship – many apps that are freely available in other countries have been removed there for political reasons. Even local news portals such as Caixin, which are normally considered more liberal, have to observe certain limits to avoid government sanctions. The state media, such as the Chinese state television CCTV, are completely under government control. Chinese artists and filmmakers are also censored. The well-known director Wang Xiaoshuai and the livestreamer Hu Chunfeng repeatedly have difficulties publishing their works uncensored, as they often address social problems or political issues. Censorship in Russia and the Soviet Union Censorship also plays a central role in Russia. Internet censorship has tightened significantly in recent years, especially since the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the subsequent conflict in Ukraine. The Kremlin now controls many news portals and critical reporting is often declared to be "foreign influence" and suppressed. Censorship was already widespread in the Soviet Union. The communist government controlled all media and literature and systematically suppressed any form of opposition. There were also strict censorship measures in the former GDR, especially in literature. Writers who criticized the regime were monitored and their works were often banned. Censorship in North Korea North Korea is one of the most heavily censored countries in the world. The government strictly controls all media and access to information. The internet is not accessible to normal citizens and the country operates its own closed network. What is censored in North Korea? News, movies and books coming from outside are banned and the population has no access to uncensored information. There are reports that people who consume foreign media are severely punished. Conclusion Censorship remains a powerful tool for authoritarian regimes to secure their control over the population. Whether in China, Russia or North Korea – the free flow of information is suppressed in order to ensure political stability and maintain power. But even in democratic countries, there is a debate about the limits of freedom of expression and how to deal with dangerous content. The internet, once celebrated as a space of freedom, is now a central battleground on which the conflict between freedom of expression and state control is being fought out. The Table.Briefings editorial team reports on how the issue of censorship is progressing and has all the news, analysis and background information on this topic.