China could possibly restrict media reporting on terror attacks in the coming days. This new anti-terrorism law has been drafted and may be passed in the Legislature before this month ends.
As reported by IB Times, the draft of the proposed law has drawn the attention of some Western capitals. If this proposal becomes a law, then tech companies need to install the so-called "backdoors" to their product, in order to give out sensitive details and information, like the encryption keys, to the government.
The anti-terror law is now on another reading at the session of the National People's Congress standing committee. It is said to include a provision that prohibits the media, including the social media, to deliver news on terror activities that might show inhuman acts and cruelty.
Moreover, anything that will be seen in the media might lead to imitation. So, to prevent this from happening, China is passing this law. Without the approval of the counter-terrorism authorities, there will be no information shown or given about hostages, how the system acted upon terror incidents, or any personal details from those who witnessed the scene.
Today, the Chinese media is already working under strict controls in reporting terrorism. However, it is still unclear how the final law can differ to the draft and whether the technology requirements will stay in the new draft or not.
Apparently, China is now facing threats from both the separatists and militants, especially in Xinjiang region. There were already numerous people who have died in violence and the capital city is blaming the Islamist militants for this.
On the whole, the anti-terror law that restricts media reporting on attacks has its advantages and disadvantages to the people of China. In case this will formally become a law, then China should be prepared for it. This might not be easy to implement, but everyone should cooperate, for it is for their own sake as well.
