Continue to expect Internet restrictions in China

With the Chinese, Gregorian and Mayan calendars all ending in the span of three months, this is the time of year for new resolutions. If you're RIM, perhaps your resolution is to keep Blackberry 10 from failing? If you're the Chinese government, you probably want to reinforce your Internet restriction policy?
It seems that's just what the government aims to do. 2012 saw surprising acts of leniency by the government. Witness the number of affairs by Chinese government officials splashed across Weibo or how previously unsearchable controversial posts became accessible this month (though perhaps with some delays).
The Chinese government is now proposing a new bill requiring people to use their real names when online. Under the Chinese system, bills like the one proposed are almost always put into law.

Online enforcement wouldn't stop there. Foreign companies may soon be prevented from publishing on the Chinese Internet, which would suck for guys like me. Such rules are already in place, however regulators have been reluctant to enforce them until now. In all likelihood they may come down on serious offenders while leaving most publishers alone.
In the meantime Apple has provided a censorship loophole in the form of https--emphasis on the "s". Apple recently adopted the protocol, which creates a secure connection between its customers and its iTunes servers. China's Web regulators currently track information selectively using http format. Therefore you should move fast to download any iTunes apps you've been craving before regulators close this loophole for good.
It seems clear that the Chinese government is reexamining its policies on censorship. Signs of leniency should not be mistaken for weakness. Instead, the government is likely being more judicious in its efforts so that it can marshal resources on topics that are really important to national stability. A wise resolution to adopt for China's new leadership.