If we start an internet company, we cannot allow illegal content, which means we will inevitably have a censorship mechanism in place.

Censorship in modern China operates through fear, friction, and flooding, making it difficult for citizens to access information that contradicts the government's narrative.

Once a censorship system is established, it can be pressured to expand its scope beyond illegal content to include other topics.

Government should not exert any form of pressure on companies to censor, as it undermines the principles of free speech, and this administrative power is exemplified by Facebook's Libra project, which faced threats from senators warning banks against collaborating with them, highlighting the use of state power without formal laws or regulations.

The censorship system in China is subtle; while books can be purchased, parts that connect ideas to the government are often removed, reflecting a complex form of control.

Social media platforms are losing their status as neutral carriers by censoring content, which exposes them to liability and pressures from both sides of the political spectrum.

Companies are often victims of government pressure, but those funded by the government may find themselves in a precarious position regarding censorship.

Living under constant surveillance, akin to being in a global airport, limits individual freedom and creativity, which is detrimental to society.

Despite censorship, many students from mainland China demonstrate incredible free-thinking abilities, suggesting that the system is more porous than often perceived.