"Internet users are increasingly caught up in a tight web of rules restricting their fundamental human rights," Amnesty International added.
"Anyone surfing the Internet could potentially be at risk of arbitrary detention and imprisonment".
In extreme cases, individuals who publish information on the Internet which is considered to be a "state secret" could even be sentenced to death.
The Chinese authorities have also forced Internet companies to take greater responsibility for policing the web. A "Public Pledge on Self-Discipline" was introduced in August 2002 under which signatories agree not to post "pernicious" information that may "jeopardise state security, disrupt social stability, contravene laws and spread superstition and obscenity". The pledge has been signed by over 300 companies, including the popular international search engine Yahoo.
Amnesty International urged the government to review certain regulations and other measures restricting freedom of expression over the Internet in order to comply with international standards.
"Anyone surfing the Internet could potentially be at risk of arbitrary detention and imprisonment".
In extreme cases, individuals who publish information on the Internet which is considered to be a "state secret" could even be sentenced to death.
The Chinese authorities have also forced Internet companies to take greater responsibility for policing the web. A "Public Pledge on Self-Discipline" was introduced in August 2002 under which signatories agree not to post "pernicious" information that may "jeopardise state security, disrupt social stability, contravene laws and spread superstition and obscenity". The pledge has been signed by over 300 companies, including the popular international search engine Yahoo.
Amnesty International urged the government to review certain regulations and other measures restricting freedom of expression over the Internet in order to comply with international standards.