Thread by @joannachiu

A complicated situation on the ground: Writers face opaque and ever-shifting rules on banned subjects. Most self-censor to some degree to avoid repercussions that could end their careers. But many are also unwilling to avoid sensitive subjects. pen.org/forbidden-feed…

Despite many frustrations, there is still relatively more freedom of expression in online publishing, compared to traditional print. The prominent role of #socialmedia in #China has made creative fields more democratic as consumers have more ways to support creators.

As online censorship restrictions tighten, a deleted post is the least of some users’ worries. Writers and organizations have to contend with the possibility
that their social media accounts will get shut down entirely, or that administrators will get arrested.

But social media-fueled reporting is no substitute for institutionalized
journalism. @mranti told @PENamerican “Censorship has never eased. The more dramatic change is from Internet business models. We are losing financial support for real journalism.” pen.org/forbidden-feed…

Meanwhile, licensing regulations and criminal libel laws mean that independent Chinese journalists that use #socialmedia are taking a serious legal
risk with every posting.

Chinese journalists always faced great risks to report on politically sensitive topics, or if their work could be construed as voicing support for human rights and democracy. Their space to operate has shrunk dramatically since #XiJinping took office. pen.org/forbidden-feed…

Above is based on dozens of wide-ranging conversations with Chinese artists and writers @jrtager and I conducted over half a year. Read more: pen.org/forbidden-feed… @PENamerican #pressfreedom #netfreedom

All of us based in #China understand this: “Just for socializing alone, not just work, getting banned from using #WeChat would be a disaster,” one writer shared with @PENamerican. “No one would be able to reach me. Very few people, even my good friends, have my phone number.”

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