In its long history, Cambridge University Press has provided a place for researchers to discuss controversies regarding politics and science. However, in August 2017, Cambridge University Press found itself at the center of a global controversy over censorship and access to academic research. In a press release, Cambridge University Press disclosed that it had received and complied with a request from a Chinese import agency to block access to individual articles published in The China Quarterly, a scholarly journal focused on contemporary China. The articles subjected to the access restriction covered topics including China’s Cultural Revolution and the Tiananmen Square protests, which are sensitive topics for the Chinese government.
The initial announcement resulted in a rapid backlash online with some researchers calling on a boycott of Cambridge University Press. Faced with harsh criticism for seemingly placing business interests over the integrity of academic research, Cambridge University Press quickly reversed the initial move to comply with the request and published an updated press release emphasizing their dedication to providing access to publications to academics around the world.
Both culture and science have histories that are full of embarrassing and dark periods. Like scientists, governments should be willing to look back on these periods to learn valuable lessons. Therefore, rather than using digital tools to limit access to information, these tools should be used to further expand access so that these lessons can be learned by as many people as possible.
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