China could block Skype, but unlikely

There are rumors abound that China may be attempting to ban Skype an internet based video call/telephone provider. Some of the rumors and reports were discovered through Twitter, though their reliability remains in question. According to an article in Wall Street Journal the Chinese government is testing ways to block “illegal” voice-over-Internet-protocol, or VoIP, telephone services. What falls under the definition of illegal VoIP was not clearly illustrated however. Since Skype is operated through a Chinese telecommunications company some speculate that it will be protected because of its profitability for the Chinese business. The current consensus is that Skype will avoid any blockages by the government, but other providers won't be as lucky. Nevertheless I think this situation with Skype and the Chinese government brings up a larger issue of Chinese internet censorship. China has been known to censor information about events such as Tienanmen Square and even censor Google. My personal concern is that China is trying to stomp out basic connections Chinese people have with one another and the global community. Furthermore, I have concern that China may end up defining "illegal" service providers somewhat liberally, eliminating competition for Skype and destroying possible legitimate providers.