Web users flock to anti-graft sites
By Wang Qingchu |
June 14, 2011, Tuesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
THE success of an Indian anti-corruption website has inspired hugely popular versions in China and sparked discussion over whether whistle-blowing sites are a useful tool in stamping out corruption.
Several websites based on the formula of Indian site ipaidabribe.com have appeared in China. Thousands of web users have recounted their experiences of bribery in daily life or logged complaints about officials alleged to be involved in corruption.
On whistle-blowing site Fanxinghui.com, an unnamed computer seller in Taiyuan City, capital of north China's Shanxi Province, alleged that an official from the district commerce and industry authority asked for two notebook computers, otherwise he would confiscate all the stock and seal off the store. The owner was forced to agree to his demands.
The founder of Fanxinghui.com - identified only by their online username "Xiao-xiaosheng" - admits to being inspired by ipaidabribe.com, launched last August. The Indian site has gathered information on more than 10,000 cases of alleged corruption within 10 months, leading to the downfall of more than 20 government officials.
"China has a long history of online battles against corruption. But most complaints were scattered on different websites and online forums. I tried to create a site specifically targeting this area," Xiaoxiaosheng told the Xinhua news agency.
Many netizens hailed these sites as a milestone in the battle against corruption and voiced their support. "Everybody can speak out freely about bribing experiences here and hopefully those corrupt officials can be punished," one unnamed netizen said.
But others were skeptical whether the disciplinary authorities would check the information posted.
Another problem facing such anti-corruption sites is how to screen out libels, rumors and mischief-making.
As to whether the site would be shut down by the government, Xiaoxiaosheng shrugged off the concern, saying: "I think the government supports us. After all, It's also the government's aim to root out corruption."
Similar sites include Woxinghuile.info, 522phone.com and Woxinghuiliao.com.
Several websites based on the formula of Indian site ipaidabribe.com have appeared in China. Thousands of web users have recounted their experiences of bribery in daily life or logged complaints about officials alleged to be involved in corruption.
On whistle-blowing site Fanxinghui.com, an unnamed computer seller in Taiyuan City, capital of north China's Shanxi Province, alleged that an official from the district commerce and industry authority asked for two notebook computers, otherwise he would confiscate all the stock and seal off the store. The owner was forced to agree to his demands.
The founder of Fanxinghui.com - identified only by their online username "Xiao-xiaosheng" - admits to being inspired by ipaidabribe.com, launched last August. The Indian site has gathered information on more than 10,000 cases of alleged corruption within 10 months, leading to the downfall of more than 20 government officials.
"China has a long history of online battles against corruption. But most complaints were scattered on different websites and online forums. I tried to create a site specifically targeting this area," Xiaoxiaosheng told the Xinhua news agency.
Many netizens hailed these sites as a milestone in the battle against corruption and voiced their support. "Everybody can speak out freely about bribing experiences here and hopefully those corrupt officials can be punished," one unnamed netizen said.
But others were skeptical whether the disciplinary authorities would check the information posted.
Another problem facing such anti-corruption sites is how to screen out libels, rumors and mischief-making.
As to whether the site would be shut down by the government, Xiaoxiaosheng shrugged off the concern, saying: "I think the government supports us. After all, It's also the government's aim to root out corruption."
Similar sites include Woxinghuile.info, 522phone.com and Woxinghuiliao.com.
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