Teaching Comparative Government and Politics

Monday, December 21, 2015

Government has so much to do

If you've ever found a blurry blank spot on a Google Earth map, you've probably come across something Google is not allowed to display. Who disallows it? Probably a government. Even in China.

China unveils new rules on maps, regulating online map services

China released new regulations on maps…

Included in the new regulations… is a new chapter on online map services, as well as new rules on compiling, checking and publishing maps.

Blurry spot?

Geographic maps are of great political, scientific and legal importance, as it draws the territory of a country, directly reflecting its national sovereignty and political views, a statement released by the State Council, China's cabinet, said…

[S]ecurity supervision must also be strengthened as violations, such as errors in compilation, leaks of secret geographic information and personal information, have occurred frequently in recent years.

Replacing the 1995 regulations on map drawing and publication, the new document upholds the basic principles of safeguarding national sovereignty and geographic information security, as well as improving public services, said the statement.

The regulations state China encourages internet map service providers to develop applications of geographic information science and technology and offer value-added services in people's daily life.

However, the providers must possess proper qualifications, must house servers storing geographic data within Chinese territory and must develop measures to ensure data security…

Databases of providers must not store or record information that is, in accordance with China's laws and regulations, prohibited from being shown on maps. Service providers are required to stop transmitting map information and report to mapping, publishing or internet security authorities when illegal content is detected…

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The Comparative Government and Politics Review Checklist.

Two pages summarizing the course requirements to help you review and study for the final and for the big exam in May. . It contains a description of comparative methods, a list of commonly used theories, a list of vital concepts, thumbnail descriptions of the AP6, and a description of the AP exam format. $2.00. Order HERE.

Just The Facts! 2nd edition is a concise guide to concepts, terminology, and examples that will appear on May's exam.

Just The Facts! is available. Order HERE.

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