Here's a frank discussion (an "IAmA" in Redditese) from someone claiming to work as a censor for the Internet ministry of a "Middle Eastern country." It makes for interesting reading, as this guy comes across as a geek who's ridden the slippery slope from technician to technocrat without hardly noticing.
How do you feel about what you do? Are you able to justify it to yourself?
When I started, I was on the technical side of things. More implementer than decision-maker. Not only was it easier to do, but easier to justify. Now, I try to do my bit and play the devil's advocate more often than not. This has raised a few eyebrows, but I like to think that I'm too valuable to be let off easily. However, a phone call from anyone in the Royal family…..
Also, how do you feel about how easily (or not) people can get around your censorship?
It is no problem for me to know that people are getting around the block. There are many ways that we know people are using and we don't block them. Partially because there is no directive to do so and partially 'coz we don't wanna.
We do actively participate in penetration testing and firewall avoidance tests/drills. I think that if anyone goes through all the effort required – let them. Either they want it so bad – or they deserve a reward for their hard work – until the next testing date!!
