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We might as well follow right behind Venezuela
Venezuela tightens Internet regulation
Reuters ^ | December 21, 2010

Posted on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 8:54:51 PM by La Lydia

CARACAS - Venezuela’s parliament approved tighter regulation of the Internet on Monday in the latest of a package of laws to entrench President Hugo Chavez’s socialist “revolution” before a new Assembly is sworn-in next month. Members of his ruling Socialist Party say the move brings South America’s top oil producer into line with international norms for policing the Web. But opposition politicians say it is aimed at stifling dissent.

It followed a more controversial vote by the National Assembly last week that will allow Chavez to bypass the next parliament and rule by decree for 18 months...the decision was denounced by furious opposition parties due to take 40 percent of seats in the Assembly beginning on January 5...

The Internet bill approved on Monday prohibits online content attacking “good customs,” disrespecting public officials or inciting violence against the president.

Many of Venezuela’s lively news forums operate without a moderator or editor filtering out extremist or vulgar content. But the bill has concerned some free speech activists, who have drawn comparisons with how China and Cuba police the Web.

Under the new regulations, all Internet traffic is supposed to pass through a single, government-controlled access point, stoking opposition fears about surveillance and censorship...