Pubdate: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 Source: New York Times (NY) Copyright: 2001 The New York Times Company Contact: letters@nytimes.com Website: http://www.nytimes.com/

COUNTRIES THAT TRACK INTERNET ACTIVITY

Web filtering is just one method of restricting access to the Internet. Here are some countries that have tried to control or track their residents' online activities, according to Reporters Without Borders, a French advocacy group.

SAUDI ARABIA The government filters all traffic through a central server and recently issued regulations banning access to sites considered subversive, contrary to the state or its system, or damaging to the dignity of the heads of state.

BURMA Except for some government officials and businessmen, few people in this military-controlled country have access to the Internet. A colonel was jailed after visiting an opposition political site.

CHINA Internet service providers must install Internet filters that block the Web sites of many Western media outlets, Taiwanese and Hong Kong newspapers, human rights groups and Falun Gong, the banned spiritual movement. The government has set up a special Internet police unit.

BRITAIN Last year the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act extended police phone-tapping privileges to the Internet. If asked, companies and individuals would have to help law enforcement officials decode lawfully obtained data.

RUSSIA The government has instituted an Internet surveillance system that requires I.S.P.'s and telephone operators to reroute data traffic to local law enforcement headquarters, allowing authorities to monitor phone calls or e-mail.

AUSTRALIA The government does not filter the Net, but the Broadcasting Services Act, which took effect last year, defines forbidden online content, including specific representations of sexual acts, and information on crime, violence and the use of certain narcotics.