NO ONE CAN BE SURE of the exact size of China’s Internet police force, but estimates hover between 30,000 and 40,000 officers. And their back-up is impressive–China has just spent $200 million on new firewall technology as well. But for those who still try to access forbidden material, China’s punishment is swift and severe.

Amnesty International recently released a report compiling records of 33 “prisoners of conscience who have been detained for using the Internet to circulate or download information.”