While people in many countries enjoy unlimited access to internet sites, Asian Politics limit access to some domain names in certain countries. The very first content restrictions for ICPs came in September of 2000. Since then, any web site that is based in China is not permitted to link to other overseas news websites or to carry overseas news unless they have separate approval. The only sites that are permitted to carry overseas news are those that have been licensed as print publishers.
In addition, websites that belong to the group Falun Gong are also forbidden to be accessed. This group has been outlawed and citizens are not permitted to view any content on these sites. News websites that cover such unthinkable topics as police brutality, freedom of speech, Marxist sites, the Tiananmen Square Protests from 1989 and any form of democracy are also forbidden, as is the registration of many Expired Domains that are linked to these subjects. Many media sites that offer social or political commentaries are also not permitted to be viewed by citizens.
Websites that are hosted by the government of Taiwan and those which contain pornography, obscenity and/or criminal activities are also forbidden. This makes it very difficult for those citizens to know what is happening around the world and even on the internet. Along with the broad censorship throughout China and some other Asian nations, the lack of network cable infrastructure and broadband speed communications can also make it difficult for people to access information.
The buying and reselling of expired domain names has become very popular over the past few years. Those living in areas with internet content restrictions must be certain that the domain names in which they are interested in buying are not plagued with any forbidden content, otherwise they will end up with a domain name that they can not use. A good rule of thumb is to check expired domains for sale before you purchase them. Be sure that you know and understand everything that the domain represented. For instance, a domain name may have been used to announce criminal activity, but the name may be misleading. It is a good idea to find out what the website offered with regards to content, pictures and media files before you purchase, particularly if your country places restrictions on viewing specific domains.
Keep in mind that sites that have been linked to the Dalai Lama and the International Tibet Independence Movement, including the teachings of the Dalai Lama are also forbidden in many Asian countries. Purchasing domains that relate to these topics will simply prove to be wasted money. It is important that you understand which domains are limited so that you do not purchase any domain names that you can not use.
These sites which have been blocked are indexed by some of the search engines in those countries. This may have a significant effect on any search results coming from those areas. Typically once a site has been blocked, it is placed on a blacklist. If and when that site is unblocked, it will once again be added to the search engine indexes.