Obama Tells China Not To Censor The Internet-But Supports US Internet Censorship

President Obama has traveled to China for perhaps his biggest International conversations to date. Over the weekend, the president told a group of Chinese residents that China should not censor the Internet. Unfortunately for Obama, his message was not heard by many Chinese residents that were not at the event.

The news coverage in China did not mention the president's remarks in regards to Internet censorship. That was most likely intentional, with the Communist government controlling much of the mainstream media, and their difference of opinion with Obama regarding the Internet.

Obama has drawn some criticism in the US for promoting the idea of non censorship, but not following through on that premise. The US is currently in trouble with the World Trade Organization for their own Internet censorship issues. The US has created an international problem with their Internet gambling laws.

Antigua and Barbuda has licensed online gambling operators that took a major hit when the US changed their Internet laws. Antigua has won a judgement against the US for the lost revenue that occurred when the US attempted to block companies who were legally licensed in other countries from operating in the US.

The trade agreement violations have landed the US in trouble with the European Union. The European Commission has given the US a grace period to correct their Internet gambling censorship laws, but as of yet the Obama Administration has not responded to the request.

Conversely, the Obama Administration has actually turned up the heat on Internet gambling companies located outside the US. The Justice Department has seized many bank accounts that were paying out US customers of Internet gambling sites. It has led to more companies pulling out of the US market.

With upcoming discussions on Internet gambling laws by lawmakers, Obama will have his opportunity to show people that he is serious about keeping the Internet free from government regulations.

Representative Barney Frank has introduced legislation that would overturn the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. His effort may be stalled by Senator Harry Reid, who has vowed to continue to do what is best for the casino industry in his home state of Nevada.

That is when Obama will have his chance to weigh in on the issue, and in the process, show China and the rest of the world that he is serious about keeping the Internet free from censorship.

November 17, 2009
Posted By Larry Rutherford
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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