Internet live broadcast is an offshoot of online gaming, which is reported to have three times the size of China’s film market in revenue. (Photo : Reuters)
Studies from the American Chamber of Commerce in China said that the country implements heavy internet censorship, which made four out of five American businesses say their company had a negative impact, while 5 percent of them made no complaints.
The said report centered on American businesses in China, though the trends say it includes almost all foreign companies in the country. The survey was made from more than 500 companies in varying scales and disciplines.
The first question is: "To what extent does the Internet censorship of websites and content influence your capacity to manage business in China?
Many responded that this is indeed a severe hassle as many businesses in China utilize Gmail for online correspondences, Facebook for press release, YouTube for training materials, and more. These companies get around with the limitations by utilizing VPN programs. VPNs may furnish access for Facebook feeds, but it sacrifices speed.
Studies show that slow Internet speed top instantaneous censorship, where lots of complaints from these companies were received. Only 5 percent of these respondents say Internet controls never hampered their business. These companies are referred to those who seldom used the Internet, or have insane levels of patience in doing so.
In China, mobile web and broadband speeds are quite fast if these were Chinese websites alone, especially in Shanghai and Beijing. If the connection comes from abroad, then they need to wait.
The second question is "Which facets of internet control particularly hamper business?
Around 20 percent of American businesses in China say the censorship apparatus or the Great Firewall has indeed a positive impact on their company. They say the reason for this is probably due to the lack of competition. It is easier to handle searches for data without competing with Google and Facebook. In China, you can utilize WeChat or Baidu.
As per reports, due to Internet restrictions, 71 percent of American companies say they have poor access especially when it comes to relevant information for the business. The interrupted access led to lower productivity, incapacity to sufficiently engage in research, and trouble in data exchange with other professionals.
Respondents were also asked to rate optimism with China's business and restrictive framework for the next couple of years - only 6 percent say they were optimistic.
