The problem with that argument is that I can still get access to content via subverting said controls. I have access to the underlying infrastructure.

I can't when the entire internet infrastructure is shut down.

I'm always amused when people go to lengths to defend authoritarian regimes. Pretty sure I am allowed to criticize the country I'm a citizen of.

Explicit control is in many ways better than this kind of subtle behind-the-scenes manipulation. It's more visible, easier to gather resistance against (yes, even under the control), and relatively easier to dismantle. To "subvert the controls" people first have to know they exist, and then go through the friction of subverting them, which very few people bother to do in practice.

You can of course criticize whatever you want, have double standards, and call things "authoritarian regimes" with no idea what those actually look like. Doesn't make them so.

> call things "authoritarian regimes" with no idea what those actually look like. Doesn't make them so.

I'm Indian. My mother's Egyptian. I'm pretty certain I know what an authoritarian regime looks like. I've seen how the Indian govt has treated Kashmir. I've also seen how authoritarian Egyptian govts in the past have treated their own people.

But sure man, lick more boots. Just remember, the 5 Rupees Modi govt is paying you for this comment won't earn you any goodwill from your fellow man you rat out on.