“We are going to install a piece of software in every single PC in China to ‘protect’ our citizens from harmful information” (related news). Another ridiculous move from the Chinese government. Now, I used the word “Chinese government” might not be appropriate as I believe there are sensible individuals working for the government, still. But one thing I don’t understand is that why those people aren’t powerful enough to stop such a stupid action that put them no shame. Treating citizens like fools will only angers more people, especially when it’s done so explicitly.

However I do like to look the positive sides of the story. First of all, the company (or government bodies) which produce the software won’t spend resources to produce a Mac version, at least not in the near future. It’s a golden opportunity for Apple to sell computers without re-installed such software. Secondly, it might benefit the computer hardware market. I remember I built my first PC from scratch with my friend when I was 15, then installed a not so legal Windows (let’s face it, I did). If a PC that I bought is came with software that going to monitor what I do, I might as well just buy the pieces and build it myself. Even though I can’t, it’s not that expensive to pay someone to do the job. If I could do it when I was fifteen about 10 years ago, so do many other young kids in China now, or even younger. Lastly, if the government individuals are dare to make such a move, I guess it won’t be long before they are forced to quiet down such enforcement by the pressure from the media and “protected citizens”.