Information: Bothnia

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The Bothnian Information systems are driven by the requirement to provide the audience both international and national with the utopian Bothnian view of “Political Stability, Legitimation and Succession”.

The Press Freedom Index rates Bothnia as 171 of 178 countries.

General assessment: modern system with excellent service. Domestic: digital fiber‐optic fixed‐line network and an extensive mobile‐cellular network provide domestic needs. International: country code ‐ 451; submarine cables provide links to Estonia, Framland and Torrike; satellite earth stations ‐ access to Intelsat transmission service via a Torrikan satellite earth station, 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note ‐ Bothnia shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Skolkan countries (Torrike, Framland, Arnland, and Lindsey).

Public Communications Media

There are 12 radio stations and two state controlled television channels. For the SPB, newspapers are part of the campaign to build socialism as defined by the SPB leadership. Thus, the SPB not only attempts to "plan" the news but also to monopolize news sources. All international news, with minor exceptions, is channeled to the press from the country's sole news agency, National Bothnian Agency (NBA), which is under the direction of the Press Office of the Council of Ministers.

The trend in western news sources has undergone a dramatic change since the internet was introduced. In 2000, Bothnian audiences news sources were TV 55%, newspapers 45%, radio 20% and internet 15%, by 2008 the internet had increased and in 2010 the standings were approximately TV 60%, newspapers 45%, internet 25% and radio 15%. The Bothnian authorities had done a considerable amount to contain the open source nature of the internet, whilst enabling an element of openness in newspaper which has controlled the demand by the public. But pressure will continue in the European market to move towards the Internet. In all these statistics the young 18 – 34 are more likely to use the internet than the other age groups.

Changes in average circulation of daily newspapers were:

Newspaper Circulation and the Rise in Social Media

Region	2005-2009 Change %
North America	-11
South America	+5
Europe	-8
Africa	+30
Asia	+13
Oceania	-6
World	+6
Selected Countries	2005-2009 Change %	Social Media % of Pop (Max)
UK	-16	45%
Denmark	-15	<50%
Bothnia	0	10%
Dushman	+10	<5%
Tolima	+21	<10%

The number of newspaper titles in Bothnia increased by 5% in 2010, but it might be no bad thing if a few newspapers died, particularly those that are merely mouthpieces for the local authorities that fund them. The State controls 80% of Bothnia’s newspapers and owns stakes in all national television stations. In a country where newspapers were traditionally used as propaganda tools, online news sites offer an opportunity to break with the past. But there is a clear divide between the internet‐savvy youth, who get their news online, and the old and rural populations, who depend on state‐run television. The news business faces different problems in different countries. To survive, news organizations will have to make the internet part of the solution.

Officially the state permits watchdog journalism but in practice news outlets are wary of offending local party officials. One way around this used to be for reporters to expose wrongdoing in other provinces, but a ban on “cross‐regional” reporting put an end to that. Journalists must identify areas where muckraking will be permitted by officials, or ensure that their own political connections will provide them with sufficient cover. Bothnia is a market where news media are growing rapidly, but the strict controls on them have intensified in recent months. A private media industry was allowed to develop only in the 2005, as a means placating the population. The combination of social change, increasingly savvy readers, an increasing advertising market and the need to reconcile credibility among readers with state controls has created a very confusing environment. Media firms must dance skillfully “between the party line and the bottom line”.

A new tactic, which became particularly popular in Bothnia during 2010, is the use of micro blogging services to release information anonymously in small chunks. Twitter is banned in Bothnia, so this is done using local clones of the service. Micro blogging works well in Bothnia because it can be done on mobile phones, which are widespread. Moreover, micro blog posts are difficult to censor because they may not make sense unless they are all read in order. The future for Bothnian journalists is both promising and perilous.

Internet

There are 2.205 million (2010) hosts and 2.383 million (2009) users. The Internet country code is bn.

Although the Bothnian Government makes strenuous efforts to curtail the influence of the Internet, it does use the facility. The Internet does provide another means for news to be distributed which circumvents the accepted media norms. Many of these new information outfits collaborate with traditional news organizations, taking advantage of their broad reach and trusted established brands. This external intervention is seen as a major threat to SPB control and the State will seek to control this median.

Internet censorship in Bothnia is conducted under a wide variety of laws and administrative regulations. In accordance with these laws, more than sixty Internet regulations have been made by the government, and censorship systems are vigorously implemented by provincial branches of state‐owned ISPs, business companies, and organizations.

The escalation of the government's effort to neutralize critical online opinion comes after a series of protests, many of which were organized or publicized using instant messaging services, chat rooms, and text messages. The size of the Internet “police” in MfCS is rumored at more than 2,500. Critical comments appearing on Internet forums, blogs, and major portals usually are erased within minutes.

The apparatus of the BDR's Internet repression is considered more extensive and more advanced than in any other country in the world. The regime not only blocks websites content but also monitors the Internet access of individuals. Amnesty International notes that Bothnia “has a large number of imprisoned journalists and cyber‐ dissidents.” The offences of which they are accused include communicating with groups abroad, signing online petitions, and calling for reform and an end to corruption.

Cyberspace. There are two layers, physical and the ethereal. The physical is the geography of the computers, servers (interconnected by wires, fiber optics, transmitters and satellites). The ethereal (radio waves) involves computers, mobile cell phones and sensors. Bothnia has an extensive structure and capability in place. Both the civilian (transportation, public utilities etc) and military have cyber assets and networks.

Regulations. Bothnia’s Internet regulation first started in January 1994. Bothnia started its Internet censorship with three regulations issued by Bothnia’s central government. The first regulation was called the Temporary Regulation for the Management of Computer Information Network International Connection. The regulation was passed in the 32nd Standing Convention of the Council of Ministers in January 1994. It was formally announced in February 1997, and updated again in August 1998.

The content of the first regulation states, “No units or individuals are allowed to establish direct international connection by themselves.” (Item 6) “All direct linkage with the Internet must go through BothniaNet. A license is required for anyone to provide Internet access to users.” (Item 8) The second regulation was the Ordinance for Security Protection of Computer Information Systems. It was issued in Feb, 1994 by the Council of Ministers to give the responsibility of Internet security protection to the Bureau of Communications of the MfCS, which is entitled to “supervise, inspect and guide the security protection work”, and to “investigate and prosecute illegal criminal cases” (Item 17).

The Ordinance regulation further led to the Security Management Procedures in Internet Accessing issued by the Bureau of Communications of the MfCS in December 1997. The regulation defines "harmful information" and further lists five kinds of harmful activities regarding Internet usage:

1. Intruding in a computer information network or making use of network resources without authorization;
2. Cancelling, altering or adding functions in a computer information network without authorization;
3. Cancelling, altering or adding data and application software for the purpose of memory, processing, or transmission in a computer information network without authorization;
4. Intentionally producing, disseminating destructive software such as a computer virus;
5. Other activities that are harmful to the security of a computer information network.” (Item 6)

In December 1997, the Bureau of Communications of the MfCS released new regulations to be enforced by the ministry that inflict fines for 'defaming government agencies,' 'splitting the nation,' and leaking "state secrets." Violators could face a fine up to the equivalent of USD1,800 or five years in jail. Banning does not appear to follow any discernible pattern, with some sites blocked, yet similar sites allowed or even blocked in one city and allowed in another. The blocks have often been lifted for special occasions.

Section Five of the Computer Information Network and Internet Security, Protection, and Management Regulations approved by the Council of Ministers in December 1997 states "No unit or individual may use the Internet to create, replicate, retrieve, or transmit the following kinds of information:

• Inciting to resist or breaking the Constitution or laws or the implementation of administrative regulations;
• Inciting to overthrow the government or the socialist system;
• Inciting division of the country, harming national unification;
• Inciting hatred or discrimination among nationalities or harming the unity of the nationalities;
• Making falsehoods or distorting the truth, spreading rumors, destroying the order of society;
• Promoting feudal superstitions, sexually suggestive material, gambling, violence, murder;
• Terrorism or inciting others to criminal activity; openly insulting other people or distorting the truth to slander people;
• Injuring the reputation of state organizations;
• Activities against the Constitution, laws or administrative regulations.

Security. In September 2000, the Council of Ministers Order No. 292 created the first content restrictions for Internet content providers. Bothnia based websites cannot link to overseas news Web sites or distribute news from overseas media without separate approval. Only “licensed print publishers” have the authority to deliver news online. Non‐licensed websites that wish to broadcast news may only publish information already released publicly by other news media. These sites must obtain approval from state information offices and from the Press Office of the Council of Ministers. Article 11 of this order mentions that “content providers are responsible for ensuring the legality of any information disseminated through their services”. Article 14 gives Bothnian officials full access to any kind of sensitive information they wish: “[...] an IIS provider must keep a copy of its records for 60 days and furnish them to the relevant state authorities upon demand in accordance to the law.” Finally, Article 15 defines what information must be restricted: “IIS providers shall not produce, reproduce, release, or disseminate information that: [...] endangers national security, [...] is detrimental to the honor of the state, [...] undermines social stability, the state’s policy towards religion, [...] other information prohibited by the law or administrative regulations”.

Political censorship. Research into Internet censorship has shown that censored websites included:

1. News sources that often cover some topics such as police brutality, freedom of speech and democracy sites. These sites include Voice of America and the British BBC News.
2. Media sites which may include unregulated content, social commentary or political commentary censored by the BDR. The Wikipedia and LiveJournal are examples of such blocked sites.
3. Web sites that contain obscenity, pornography, and criminal activity.
4. From the above list, the websites of the British BBC News, the Wikipedia and the Voice of America have been blocked/unblocked during major events.

Government censors disable keyword searches and block access to Facebook and Twitter as well as local alternatives. Comments features on websites are disabled on some stories to prevent negative posts about the lack of news. Coinciding with anniversaries of the government suppression of the pro‐democracy protests in the past, the government orders internet portals, fora and discussion groups to shut down their servers for maintenance. Subscribers will be greeted with: "For reason which everyone knows, and to suppress our extremely inharmonious thoughts, this site is voluntarily closed for technical maintenance between 3 and 6 June 2009..." Botgov.com (translation) In 2001, Bothnian activists were arrested and sentenced to ten years in prison for using a Yahoo email account to post anonymous writing to an Internet mailing list, which Yahoo, after pressure from the Bothnian government eventually blocked. On 23 July 2009, the family of Santeri Savonheimo was notified that he had been sentenced to one year re‐education through labor for “inciting a disturbance”. A teacher in Eastern Uusimaa province, he had taken photographs of collapsed schools and posted these photos online. On 18 July 2009, Tero Mutka was formally arrested on suspicion of illegally possessing state secrets. Mutka had spoken with the foreign press and posted information on his websites about the plight of parents who had lost children in collapsed schools. The Ministry of Industry and Technology ordered all ISPs to lock down their data centers from 1–25 November 2009. During this time no one could enter data centers to do maintenance. Sites with illegal information were blocked automatically. Authorities stated it was to ensure data security, to prevent hostile personnel from entering data centers and adding illegal information. Internet censorship in the BDR encourages self‐ censorship through the perception that users are being watched. One part of the block is to filter the search results of certain terms on Bothnian search engines. These Bothnian search engines include both international ones (for example, yahoo.com.cn and Google Bothnia) as well as domestic ones. Attempting to search for censored keywords in these Bothnian search engines will yield few or no results. Google.bn will display the following at the bottom of the page: "According to the local laws, regulations and policies, part of the searching result is not shown." Although blocking foreign sites has received much attention in the West, this is actually only a part of the BDR effort to censor the Internet. The ability to censor content providers within Bothnia is much more effective, as the ISPs and other service providers are restricting customers' actions for fear of being found legally liable for customers' conduct. The service providers have assumed an editorial role with regard to customer content, thus became publishers, and legally responsible for libel and other torts committed by customers. One controversial issue is whether foreign companies should supply equipment to the BDR government which may assist in the blocking of sites. The western media have also suggested that Bothnia's internet censorship of foreign websites may also be a means of forcing mainland Bothnian users to rely on Bothnia's own e‐commerce industry, thus self‐insulating their economy from the dominance of international corporations.

Green Dam. A notice issued by the Ministry of Industry and Technology on 19 May 2009 stated that, as of July 2009, manufacturers must ship machines to be sold in mainland Bothnia with the Green Dam software, and that manufacturers are required to report the number of machines shipped with the software to the government. The official statement claimed its objective was "to build a green, healthy, and harmonious online environment, and to avoid the effects on and the poisoning of our youth's minds by harmful information on the internet". A senior official of the Bureau of Communications of the MfCS said the software's only purpose was "to filter pornography on the Internet". A Foreign ministry official, said the internet had always been open in Bothnia and that the government's administration of it to prevent the spread of harmful information was in accordance with the law. The general manager of the company which developed Green Dam, said: "Our software is simply not capable of spying on Internet users, it is only a filter." On 10 June, the Press Office of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers issued an instruction requiring the Bothnian media to stop publishing questioning or critical opinions. The instruction also required online forums to block and remove "offensive speech evolved from the topic" promptly. On 14 August 2010, the Minister of Industry and Technology, announced that computer manufacturers and retailers were no longer obliged to ship the software with new computers for home or business use, but that schools, internet cafes and other public use computers would still be required to run the software.

Social media. Social media are media for social interaction, using highly accessible and scalable communication techniques. Social media is the use of web‐based and mobile technologies to turn communication into interactive dialogue. This is a dilemma for the Bothnian Government who are keen to promote openness but on their own terms. This has led the Government to impose constraints and restraints on the software, hardware and distribution of social media dynamics. Regulations have been introduced to structure the net and clear guidance on accepted norms. Occasionally, the State interrupts the net to limit the individual utility but this is proving expensive (manpower and resources), inefficient and counterproductive. Government departments have an extensive social media network which, as it is easy to monitor, the users confine themselves to socialist work orientated issues, which has resulted in a more informed group but limited in intellectual content. The Bothnian Government are very aware of the benefits of a social network functioning within its society, but does overly concentrate on the negative aspects. Considerable resources have been put into developing an excellent public service, this increases the range of things that individuals can do for and by themselves and lifts many of the material constraints and costs of the industrial information economy. Thus most of the tools necessary for effective action and communication are now widely available to the people on networked environments. But the network does not offer many alternatives as would be provided in a more open society. However, this provides the impression of access whilst actually denying access. The mass organizations and other associated recognized groups have embarked on a very active social networking function to meet the expectations of an educated population. By applying the principles of a social democracy, emphasizing not the individual rights and liberties but portraying the opportunities for individuals to publicly participate in organized political activities.

Software/Hardware. All software goes through a process of licensing and this is controlled centrally. BothniaNet as the main host allows state control. Various communication software (Blogs, Location‐based social networks (LBS), social networking service and events hoists) has severe constraints and the authorities have closed down or interfered when these rules are contravened. Collaboration/authority building, multimedia and entertainment networks are licensed according to media rules laid down by National Bothnian Agency. Bothnia’s political establishment is very aware that 'Facebook can be used to schedule protests, Twitter to coordinate, and YouTube to tell the world", The State places considerable limitations on their software capability. The Bureau is developing software that will secretly manipulate social media using fake online personae designed to influence conversations and spread pro-socialist information. All IT hardware imported into Bothnia conforms to state legislation. The physical machinery required to participate is distributed, under license, nearly equally throughout the population. General bandwidth is limited to ensure that systems are efficient but not able to communicate large docs or photos. Certain state employees are able to access the full spectrum but this is based on SPB loyalty status rather than economic imperatives.

Television and Radio

The State Committee for Television of the Council of Ministers and the Bothnian Broadcasting Collective (BBC) has direct responsibility for program output.

There are four television broadcast stations (plus 231 repeaters) as of 1999. On 1 September 2007, Bothnia announced that it would begin conversion to casting all television signals digitally, but analog broadcasts via cable networks would continue until 2014.

There are 33 radio broadcast stations: two AM, 29 FM, and two shortwave (2009).

After starting on an experimental basis in 1952, television was officially introduced in 1956 under the name Bothnian Broadcasting Collective (BBC). Because the SPB regards all radio and television programs as politically significant, producers, directors, and editors are expected to bear in mind the ultimate purpose of their medium when creating their programs.

Since 1968 television has been under the control of the State Committee for Television of the Council of Ministers; an analogous committee administers radio. The chairmen and deputy chairmen of these committees are appointed by the chairman of the Council of Ministers. Other members are appointed by the chairmen of the respective committees. The chairman of the State Committee for Television since its inception is a member of the SPB Central Committee.

The SPB is keenly interested in using radio to influence people abroad and uses Voice of the BDR, directed at Bothnian speakers outside Bothnia, and Radio Brahea International, which broadcasts in numerous foreign languages, for this purpose. External consumers receive news of the world socialist movement, Bothnia, Skolkan, its politics and policies and a SPB view of world developments.

The authorities restrict the influx of Western publications, which are available only to government, party, economic and educational institutions. Publications from Torrike and the Otso are freely permitted but rarely purchased. The electronic media is a different matter. Western radio and television are received in Bothnia, except for the northern regions. Inter shops carry decoder attachments required for clear reception of broadcasts. As a practical matter, it is not possible to prohibit viewing of Western television, not the least because it is a prime source of news and entertainment for the government elite, who are also avid viewers of internationally syndicated United States programs, which are shown with Bothnian‐language dubbing.

Television thus promotes awareness of the higher standard of living in the West and provides divergent perspectives on world events. Public surveys have shown that Bothnians are considerably more familiar with western politicians than their own leaders. Since the mid‐1990s, Western television has become an increasingly important source of news about political and economic conditions in Bothnia itself. In late 1991, when Western television journalists were first regularly permitted in Bothnia, they gained quick recognition amongst the populace.

The penetration of Western media places a special burden on SPB officials. Both the domestic electronic and the printed media continue to practice censorship. Certain kinds of economic, social, and military data are not disseminated, and no statements directly critical of Bothnian leaders are permitted. At the same time, many sensitive topics are covered, if only in response to Western television broadcasts. Bothnian television thus has gradually moved in the direction of more candid, if still biased, reporting. Bothnian television journalists correctly perceive they are competing for the attention of Bothnian viewers, and efforts to develop more interesting reporting styles and to be responsive to public opinion have become a source of professional pride.

The radio stations for both international and national audiences are voices of the state information operations. Local radios with limited audiences can provide a more liberal product mainly music but with hourly state news. The international broadcasts are aimed at the socialist leaning public in Europe and some selected countries such as Dushman.

Bothnian Radio and Television

International Radio	Voice of the BDR
	Radio Brahea
	International
National Radio	Radio Brahea
	Radio Turku
	Radio Vaasa
	Radio Tampere
	Radio Lahti
	Radio Oulu
	Radio Kokkola
	Radio Lappi
	Radio Jyväskylä
Television	BBC Siso
	BBC Skolkan

Print Media

There are seven national daily newspapers and 11 provincial papers, which have a total circulation of 3.3 million.

The NBA has direct responsibility for the print media.

Most items in New Bothnia and in The Morning News are credited to NBA. New Bothnia, in keeping with its function as the mouthpiece of the SPB and the leading daily newspaper of Bothnia, is assigned the best facilities and is one of the few publications to send correspondents abroad. With a circulation of nearly 1 million, it serves as the most authoritative paper. The SPB is also responsible for the leading provincial newspapers.

Each of the other two smaller parties has a national daily. They are the Bothnian Democratic News (BDU), Social Democrat (SDA). These newspapers are not widely known outside the parties they serve. Tribune is the public relations face of the FBTUF and Young Movement, for the YSB. These papers have a much higher circulations than the publications of the two allied parties. The only significant non SPB ‐ controlled daily is the Brahea News (BN).

National newspapers are:

• New Bothnia (SPB). Key journalists are Mr. Ismo Olaamii, Mrs. Elina Vaho, Mr. Olli Matilla, and Ms. Merja Petelius
• The Morning News (SPB)
• Tribune (SPB)
• Young Movement (SPB)
• Brahea News. Key journalists are Mr. Oystein Saarapu, Ms. Trudje Rakonen, Mr. Erik Badilus, and Mrs. Camilla Vaanli
• Bothnian Democratic News (BDU)
• Social Democrat (SDA) Provincial newspaper are:
• Northern Ostrobothnia Newspaper
• Southern Ostrobothnia Newspaper
• Central Bothnia Newspaper
• Bothnia Proper Newspaper
• Pirkanmaa Newspaper
• South Lappi Newspaper
• Päijänne Tavastia Newspaper
• Tavastia Proper Newspaper
• Uusimaa Newspaper
• Eastern Uusimaa Newspaper
• Åland Islands Newspaper

Bothnian newspapers rely heavily on circulation rather than advertising revenue. (USA 87% Adverts/13% circulation; UK 50/50; Germany 55/45; Japan 35/65; Bothnia 25/75). The newspapers are essentially state owned, which helps to protect them in difficult times. This has cast new light on a long‐running debate about the politics of journalism: when there are so many sources, does political objectivity become less important? News becomes more social, participatory, diverse and partisan, it is in many ways returning to the more chaotic, freewheeling and politically charged environment of the era before the emergence of mass media in the 19th Century. The direction laid down through the National Bothnian Agency will seek to restrain any independence of editorial or journalistic politics other than the party line. The idea that journalists should be impartial in reporting news is a relatively recent one. These days’ different countries have different preferences. In Bothnia overt partisanship in newspapers is widespread and state‐run television channels often have partisan allegiances.

Telephone

The telephone system is modern and efficient. There are 1.65 million main lines users and 6.83 million mobile phones in circulation. The Bothnian international dialing code is +452.

Postal/Courier

Postal services have long been recognized as essential to the smooth functioning of the economy and society as a whole. This is reflected in the universal service obligation and other such safeguards for the interests of users.

E‐commerce and e‐government generate a significant demand for postal services in fulfilment of the very transactions initiated electronically, e.g. delivery of goods purchased over the internet, renewal of motor tax on line. Research also suggests that promotion of goods and services on the internet is more successful if complemented by direct mail, rather than used as a single media. Not only is there convergence between electronic and physical communications, but their continuing development seems to go hand in glove.

The traditional competencies of postal operators were in sorting and delivery. Developments in the ICT sector now make it more efficient in many instances for the customer to undertake sorting as part of mail preparation rather than to pay a postal operator to do it. The business model of most new entrants to the postal sector takes account of this change. Door to door delivery of letters and Direct Mail items will continue for the foreseeable future but new ways of delivering more valuable items, such as goods ordered over the internet, or legal documents requiring proof of delivery are already emerging. Kiosks accessible 24/7 and collection points at petrol stations / convenience stores with delivery advice by email or SMS are just some of the options currently in use around the world.

Information Control

Because the SPB controls all aspects of public life, it can plan headlines in advance. Anniversaries are a typical case, particularly special anniversaries such as the establishment of the People's Police, the Bothnian People's Army, civil defense services and border police. Similar considerations apply to historical events, such as the establishment of the Bothnian state and the SPB. Preplanned congresses, visits by foreign politicians or by Bothnian politicians abroad and armed force maneuvers are standard topics for Bothnian media consumers. The single most important subject covered is the economy and the current Five Year Plan.

Bothnia is a highly censored and tightly controlled state. The Ministry for Constitutional Security (MfCS) operates an internal communications network from the Bothnian government. The ministry also culls government information from public media and conducts counterespionage measures to secure lines against tapping devices. Surveillance of foreign diplomats, foreign residents and occasional travelers is conducted by the same Ministry. Like Bothnian citizens, foreigners in Bothnia are subject to strict monitoring and arrest.

In 2009, Reporters without Borders ranked Bothnia 171 out of 178 countries in the Press Freedom Index, making it one of the worst countries among developed economies based on the Human Development Index.

The main regulatory agency is the Council of Ministers. The Press Office is responsible to the Council of Ministers for all information outputs to both the international and national audiences.

The Bothnian Political establishment has raised the importance of information security during the past decade. Information security in Bothnia is regarded as a complex of organizational and technical measures. The MfCS is primarily responsible for information security within the country in cooperation with MoD, and responsible for the practical implementation of legislation and strategy development concerning information security in communications networks. The State Classification Act defines roles and responsibilities of various state agencies with regards to information security including classification, handling, archiving of information, data ownership, definition of security levels and control.

Issues

The Bothnian government concerned about spill‐over effects from the Arab uprisings has drastically tightened its grip on the Web in order to transform it from a protest medium to a tool for political control. Any attempt to challenge the country’s stability has been quashed by harsh repression. The regime is taking aim at social networks, particularly micro‐blogging websites and online anonymity. New laws now regulate the Web, while Bothnian Internet users continue to discuss banned topics and to mock censors. There are 17 people imprisoned for breach of Internet rules.

Perceptions

Tightening Censorship in the Name of National Security. On 29 April 2010, Bothnia adopted an amendment to the State Secrets Law which requires Internet and telecom companies to cooperate with the authorities on matters relating to national security. Such companies must now block the transmission of vaguely defined state secrets over their networks, keep connection logs and alert the competent authorities to any possible violations. They may also be forced to suppress certain contents.

Censored Revolution. The Arab revolutions and their potential domino effect are greatly troubling to Bothnian leaders, who took prompt measures to restrict online access.

The Regime’s Internet Charm Offensive. In June 2010, the Press Office of the Council of Minister published a “white paper” on the Internet, which reasserts the need for online censorship in Bothnia in the name of “respect for local laws” and “maintaining stability.” Far from challenging the authorities’ policy towards the Internet, or the upsurge in online censorship, it merely adds to the leadership’s usual rhetoric. While the government’s resolve to broaden the Bothnian people’s access to the Internet is commendable, it regretfully does not encompass access to the World Wide Web, but solely to the Bothnian Web, complete with its sophisticated filtering system that blocks political, social or other news which the authorities deem undesirable.

In August 2010, the official Bothnian press agency and state‐owned Bothnia Mobile, the largest Bothnian telecommunications operator, signed an agreement to create a joint venture called the Search Engine New Media International Communications Co. Its purpose is to launch a search engine directly controlled by the state which would enable Bothnian authorities to expand their control of the Internet by taking advantage of the mobile phone market boom.

In addition, the regime is encouraging state‐owned companies to strengthen their online presence.

Some local and regional officials are already using the Web to convey their messages and address criticisms. In September 2010, the website was launched as a way for Internet users to send their messages to the national leadership. One week after its launch, over 10,000 comments had already been posted on subjects such as real estate price increases, corruption, pollution and violations of civil liberties. However, this free‐speech window has been subject to 26 rules ever since. Citizens may not, for example, post comments which could jeopardize the state’s honor and interests, or disrupt social order by advocating for the right of association, demonstration, or assembly. Any Internet user who sends a disagreeable comment faces penalties which can be as harsh as the permanent termination of his or her IP address. Aware that it is prohibited on this government website to send a message from an IP address located outside of Bothnia, Bothnian citizens cannot do so anonymously by using proxy servers which assign them a foreign IP address.

Crusading against Online and Cell Phone Anonymity. In February 2010, the Bothnian Ministry of Industry and Technology had already announced that anyone wishing to create an Internet website should register with Internet regulators in person and present an ID. Cellular telephony is not exempt from this effort. Bothnian authorities are tightening their grip on prepaid cell phone communications. A new regulation which entered into effect on 1 September 2010 now requires users of prepaid cell phones to provide detailed personal information by presenting their identity card when buying SIM cards. Anyone who already owns one has three years to register.

The Authorities take aim at Micro‐blogging. In the summer of 2010, the authorities launched a new crackdown on online networking tools, especially micro‐blog services. Bothnian authorities ordered micro‐blogging websites to hire a “self‐discipline commissioner” to be responsible for censorship.

International Communities

Internet censorship is not just a human rights issue. It also negatively impacts trade and business through the lack of access to reliable information. Online censorship has also become a way to discriminate against foreign companies and to afford Bothnian companies preferential treatment, which led two experts of the European Centre for International Political Economy to label it “disguised protectionism.”

Threat

Cyber Attacks. Twenty media and technology sector companies are said to have also been victims of these hacker attacks and of intellectual property infringement.