Ultimately, the cost to the nation will be heavy. Countries have censored print and television, and seized videotapes and audio cassettes. But with each technological innovation, it becomes more difficult to control the flow of information. In a nation as small and as poor as Myanmar it may be possible to seize computers and modems, and cellular and wired telephones, and yet a strong dissident movement flourishes there. It is hard to escape the conclusion that it is too late.
Nations have to accept the fact that globalization of telecommunications is here to stay.
The Internet is only the most recent symptom of the problem of retaining sovereignty in the age of communication technology, and controlling the Internet with yesterday's tools only betrays yesterday's thinking. An intruder in the kingdom. Business Week, p.40. China shines Intranet contract on Sun. Telecommunications and investment in the great supranational regulatory game.