China’s internet filter under trade scrutiny
China’s internet filter could be a breach of international trade rules, according to the USA and the European Union.
The two parties have complained to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade committee about the requirement for all personal computers to have Green Dam filtering software installed by July 1. The software is for filtering out material such as pornography, but could be used for broader censorship.
While the EU “strongly urged” China to scrap the rule, the US called the rule “draconian” and raised concerns that it may infringe of the intellectual property rights of US companies.
The committee also heard concerns about China’s standard for connecting mobile phones to the internet, the EU’s directive regarding hazardous substances in electrical equipment and Canada’s anti-allergy food labelling.
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