Web Censoring Widens Across Southeast Asia

Web Censoring Widens Across Southeast Asia
Attempts to censor the Internet are spreading to Southeast Asia as
governments turn to coercion and intimidation to rein in online criticism.
Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam lack the kind of technology and financial
resources that China and some other large countries use to police the
Internet. The Southeast Asian nations are using other methods -- also seen
in China -- to tamp down criticism, including arresting some bloggers and
individuals posting contentious views online.

Governments Lacking Technical Means Use Coercion and Intimidation in
Efforts to Suppress Criticism Online

Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam lack the kind of technology and financial
resources that China and some other large countries use to police the
Internet. The Southeast Asian nations are using other methods -- also seen
in China -- to tamp down criticism, including arresting some bloggers and
individuals posting contentious views online.

That is distressing free-speech advocates who had hoped that Southeast
Asia -- until recently a region where Internet use was relatively
unfettered -- would become a model of open debate in the developing world
as its economies modernize.

[excerpt]

[WSJ]

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125288982580207609.html