The U.S. Internet Double Standard

The United States has always had a double standard when it comes to the question of Internet freedom. It has asked other countries to provide unlimited Internet freedom, but as a diplomatic move, the use of the Internet in the U.S. is strictly controlled by internal means. This is an important tool for seeking supremacy.

The Internet is an open world with no rules and no standards. As for establishing Internet standards, there is a consensus among all countries that they be developed. But since countries differ in their domestic economic development and domestic conditions, social systems and Internet management models will not be the same.

Thus, the term “network freedom” is relative and conditional. The condition is that maintaining peoples’ liberty and each country’s own national interests, while being consistent with other countries’ Internet laws and regulations, will be difficult, as each country’s willpower is unwavering.

The U.S. State Department issued its 2010 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, but then criticized other countries’ Internet management, creating an “Only we are allowed to light the fire, we do not allow others to light the lamps” double standard.

Let us take a look at the U.S. Internet: The law provides the federal government absolute power to shut down the Internet in emergency situations. On the grounds of anti-terrorism security, the U.S. government can tap phone calls and monitor Internet communications; a “Network Navy” was established to give bogus numbers and falsify information, in order to weaken adverse publicity and strengthen favorable impressions of government actions.

It is not difficult to see that the United States has made a supreme effort to advertise and enthusiastically support Internet freedom, while it strictly restricts Internet usage. To cite an article from Foreign Policy magazine online: “The U.S. government’s attitude toward the Internet is still full of problems and contradictions.”

Under the cover of human rights, the United States speaks of Internet freedom, but its real purpose is ignoring the sovereignty and laws of other countries. This is all done under the banner of human rights. Under the banner of Internet freedom, the United States encroaches on other countries’ Internet sovereignty and conduct.

This kind of Internet freedom move is typical of high-handed, powerful rulers. The intent of the United States with regard to double standards on Internet management is clear. That is, its baton is at the center, and all must obey its command and instructions. It thinks that wherever it wishes to occupy, it may occupy; whatever it wishes to attack, it can attack. The United States relies on the Internet to seek its own interests.

The United States blatantly tightens control over domestic Internet usage, while asking other countries to provide unlimited Internet freedom. The essence of this double standard is for the United States to use its strong management power and technological advantages in combination with the Internet as a diplomatic pressure point in its pursuit of supremacy.