The role of online information and public opinion can never be overestimated. How to react to both in cyberspace becomes a challenge for governments at all levels.

It goes without saying that the Internet has provided a useful forum for all netizens. It is safe to say that the monopoly of information held by a few has been shattered by universal access to the Internet.

A government that has not adapted to such an era would find it hard to grapple with a particular issue. Improper handling of information published online or a lack of enough attention to the online community has contributed to a number of mass incidents.