Furthermore, security forces are expanding and honing their high-tech capabilities. As more powerful e-mail filters develop, such as Carnivore from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, police will be better equipped to detect subversive activity. But for now, because digital communication is too massive and anonymity remains easy, security forces tend to rely on traditional investigative methods, usually monitoring online activity only after a suspect is targeted. Over the past three years, as Internet users have multiplied, cyber-police have stepped up their prosecution of Internet content violations. Democracy organizers, human-rights activists, Falun Gong members, scholars, and other dissidents have been arrested for online crimes.
Security forces find targets abroad as well.
Public security computer operators have attacked and crashed foreign Falun Gong Web sites in several countries. Taiwanese military analysts claimed the hackers came from both Chinese civilians and People's Liberation Army specialists. This is part I of a two-part series. To read part II, click here .