An Introspective Analysis of the Public Debates and International Responses towards Russian and Chinese Internet Policies

Abstract

Digital Media has evolved as one of the leading opinion-shaping platforms in today’s modernized world wherein the masses have the freedom to share their viewpoints on a particular aspect irrespective of its alignment or opposition to the narratives supported, promoted, and most often sponsored by the states. Nevertheless, Russia and China have imposed severe restrictions on the freedom of speech of its citizens wherein they are not allowed to voice any perspective that goes against the policies of the state. China and Russia employ digital surveillance to keep a strict check on their citizens while their institutions overlook respect for human rights, human dignity, and principles of basic fundamental human rights in apprehending the culprits who violate domestic restrictions placed over them by the state. Western states, international organizations, and media channels have categorically highlighted the restrictions imposed by Russia and China on the freedom of speech whereas several cases have been registered against the Digital Authoritarianism of these states in the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). This research study is Qualitative and deductive in nature since it pertains to highlighting the specific conclusions and further orients toward general observations. This research study concludes that China and Russia have been pursuing a two-pronged multifaceted strategy to compete with the United States in the contemporary global and regional order; hence, such challenges will continue to advance in a multipolar world.