Ok fine, not exactly communism..But Still
The internet is ever changing and China’s latest idea to redesign what is considered to be a key aspect of the internet raises more than a few eyebrows. According to the Financial Times, a group consisting of China, Huawei and other Chinese carriers have proposed a new internet protocol to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The groups propose new IP, actually does have some pretty good perks and improvements over well.. the current TCP/IP standard. More efficient addressing and network management? Sign me up, right? The thing is, it also comes with some pretty glaring caveats. The most notable of which being the built in killswitch that allows a central part of the network cut off data going to or from an address, essentially shutting you (an internet user) up.
Now, before we ring the “China’s trying to spy on internet users around the world” bell, it’s worth noting that what we deem as caveats is probably the norm over there. Remember, China is governed by an authoritarian regime, so this could very well be a difference in “internet culture”. I know, it’s reaching.. but it would sure as hell explain the features that promote the censorship and surveillance of residents.
Given Chinese governments long standing insistence that Chinese citizens use their real name for internet account sign-ups, concerns about New IP linking actual people and their personal details to the very internet connection they’re utilizing is another concern
A Huawei spokesperson has lauded New IP as the product of the technical demands of an ever changing digital landscape and not as a means to exert control. The company went as far as to characterize the update as vital to the technologies promised with the introduction of 5G, such as “holo-sense teleportation” and self-driving cars.
Taking a neutral perspective on this, New IP does seem to be the natural evolution of the internet protocol. Think about it, the “shut up command” could be used for good, such as stopping a virus from spreading.
That being said however, New IP would still give governments more control over their portions of the internet. With China and Russia, two of the most authoritarian nations in the world (Sorry, North Korea) showing their support for it, you can’t help but to be suspicious. Heck, even the US is suspect here, with the FCC killing net neutrality and all.
Will the ITU accept New IP as the new standard for internet protocol? It remains to be seen, but it’s hard to imagine that there will be enough country’s in support of this to make it viable.
New IP is expected to be ready for testing by early 2021.
