Information Warfare: March 31, 2003

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China is hunting down and arresting people who are leading the increasing use of the Internet to spread information on government corruption and actions against reform organizations. The government has seen how quickly internet based activists can mobilize large demonstrations, or spread embarrassing information about corrupt or inept government officials. The government is using a combination of Internet monitoring tools (many widely available from US firms) and old fashioned detective work. The American made monitoring software is primarily intended for large companies wanting to insure none of their employees does anything on the net that will get the company in trouble.