Internet: A New Space for Civil Society? A case study on the relationship between civil society and the Internet

Freedom of expression and information is often upheld as a crucial component of a vital democracy. The decline of censorship is thus seen as a movement towards democratisation. The emergence of widespread use of the Internet has given new wind to the discussion about the relation between freedom of information and democracy. Information technology is seen as a tool for both strengthening established democracies and for opening up non-democratic societies. Civil society is seen as another democracy enhancing institution. The overall purpose of this thesis is to assess the relationship between civil society and the Internet in China, from a democratic viewpoint. What are the potential democratic benefits of the relationship? The main conclusions drawn form this study is that in regards to the relationship between civil society and the Internet it still seems to be to soon to tell and further studies needs to be conducted. At the moment semi-civil society and Internet-Based communities both practice self-censorship in order to survive. However, this is not to say that they will not have a strong voice in the future