IntroductionThe purpose of this study is to determine the differences between the Internet in China and the United States. China was chosen due to the restrictive and carefully controlled nature of its Internet, unlike the Internet in the United States which has much more freedom and is protected by freedom of speech and expression. This study will include: • Distribution and segmentation of the medium in both countries • Ownership • National regulatory structures • Socioeconomic origins and functions of the medium in today's society In this study it was concluded that extreme control over the Internet will only disadvantage a country. In addition to keeping the information technology sector obsolete, the economy will not grow to its potential and, at the same time, protect a country's people from the information they have a right to know. However, there should be some level of control over the Internet that is in line with freedom of speech and expression. Distribution and segmentation of the medium in both countries According to a report by the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) in 2012, China had already over 538 million Internet users at the end of June 2012. This figure is expected to rise to 718 million by 2013, or 52.7% of the entire population. Another CNNIC report states that 56% of Internet users in China were men, while 44% were women. Aside from that, most Chinese Internet users limit their Internet usage to Chinese websites. This is because Internet censorship in China makes it very inconvenient for Internet users otherwise. For example, setting the Internet speed for non-Chinese websites...... middle of paper ......et-google-fiber/> [accessed January 16, 2014].Yang, G., 2012 A Chinese Internet? History, practice and globalization. Chinese communications newspaper. [electronic journal] 5(1). Available at: [Accessed January 16, 2014].Images Annual size and growth of China's Internet advertising market. 2012. [online image] Available at: < http://www.getfilings.com/sec-filings/100331/ChinaNet-Online-Holdings-Inc_10- K/> [Accessed 16 January 2014].Chinese Internet User Profile 2012. 2012. [image online] Available at: [Accessed January 16, 2014]. Number of Chinese Internet users. 2012. [online image] Available at: < http://www.east-west-connect.com/chinese-internet-user-demographics-jan-2012> [Accessed 16 January 2014].