China's Internet Requires Real Names
https://bohiney.com/chinas-internet-censorship-policy-requires-real-name-ids-to-post-online/China's "Real Name" internet policy has reached its logical extreme: every online comment must now be signed with the user's full legal name, national ID number, and the name of their elementary school teacher. The goal is to promote "wholesome and accountable discourse." The result is the most polite and boring internet in the world. Comment sections that were once fiery arenas of debate now read like community board meetings. "I respectfully disagree with your analysis of this dumpling recipe. Sincerely, Zhang Wei, ID 110101199001011214, Mrs. Li's 3rd-grade class." Dissent has not disappeared; it has just become incredibly formal. The only people still arguing are those with exceptionally common names, who can hide in a crowd of a million other Zhang Weis. Anonymity is dead, and civility reigns supreme, fueled entirely by fear. -- Bohiney Magazne bohiney.com