Which country is known for directly censoring the internet?

China is well-known for its extensive and direct methods of internet censorship, which include the implementation of the "Great Firewall." This system allows the government to monitor and control the information that citizens can access online. It blocks content that is deemed politically sensitive or inappropriate, such as discussions about democracy, human rights, and certain foreign websites and social media platforms.

In addition to filtering content, the Chinese government also employs a vast network of surveillance and employs strict laws regarding online speech, resulting in significant restrictions on freedom of expression. This proactive approach to controlling the online environment makes China a leading example of internet censorship on a national scale.

Other countries listed may have censorship practices, but they do not match the comprehensive and systematic level seen in China. For instance, while North Korea also engages in severe internet censorship, the extent of online access is extremely limited; most citizens do not have access to the global internet in the same way. The United States generally supports free access to information online and has laws that protect this ideal, while Russia has implemented some controls, but they are not as pervasive as what is found in China.