Cyber Activism and SMS Propaganda

Cyber Activism and SMS Propaganda: The potential and limitations in utilising Internet and cell phone technologies to strengthen human rights in China With this thesis, I have aimed to analyse the impact of Internet and cell phone technologies on the development of Chinese society, with emphasis on how it affects the promotion and respect for human rights and democracy in the country. The focus has been on political and civil rights, such as freedom of expression and association, although economic and cultural rights are also taken into consideration. An interdisciplinary approach has been undertaken, and I have thus studied and discussed the phenomenon from a political, economical and well as cultural perspective. The report is based on an extensive literature study, which encompasses books, reports and news articles. Web-derived material, e.g. blogs about the topic, has also been used. This has been complemented by an interview with a professor specialising in Chinese politics and society. Due to the limited research already done on the political and social impact of cell phone technologies in China, the thesis has come to mainly focus on the impact of Internet. My study shows that this medium has had implications for the securing of human rights in China, both directly and indirectly. It has enabled the people as well as human rights organisations with a means of exercising their freedom of expression, association and assembly (civil and political rights). It has also strengthened the possibilities for minority groups to exercise their cultural rights. A growing industry of new media technologies also has economic implications, possibly leading to increased standards of living, at least for parts of the population. Nevertheless, despite the great possibilities of the Internet and mobile phone technologies, their potential is not utilised to its fullest, due to a number of reasons. There is a limited percentage of Internet users in the country; there is a limited willingness to engage in political activities; and the self-censorship is widespread. I also conclude that the possible benefits of these new technologies are currently limited to certain groups of the population, mainly the well-educated, tech-savvy, young middle class located in urban areas. I also suggest that the use of these new media for political purposes, is mainly undertaken by activists who would have challenged the political system and promoted human rights even if these media technologies were unavailable. Furthermore, I conclude that the protest activities carried out through new media technologies are mainly isolated activities related to local policy issues, rather than manifestations of any unified movement demanding human rights and democracy per se.