AfterDawn: News

New law in China requires you to identify yourself online

The Chinese government has passed a new law that will require all citizens to identify themselves with ID when signing up for Internet and mobile phone services. Users most also post content under their own names.

Officials for the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress say the rules will help protect personal information and also 'safeguard public interests.'



China is already infamous for its "Great Firewall," in which the Internet is highly censored, blocking pornography and gambling sites while also blocking social media like Twitter and Facebook. China has 550 million Internet users, the most in the world, but a low saturation given the nation has 1.3 billion inhabitants.

The new rules should help the government crack down even harder on bloggers or site owners who post content that is not "acceptable," including any dissent of the party.

Recently, the party's image took a hit after activists posted information on officials who "maintained extramarital affairs, snapped up property and luxury items and covered up allegations of wrongdoing by family members," says BBG.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 28 Dec 2012 23:15

• Previous article

• RIM pays Nokia $65 million in first patent licensing payment

• Next article

• Windows 8 surpasses 35,000 apps

• 6 comments

• hacker7 (unverified)

  living in china is like modern day slaver for their 1 billion + people !!

  29.12.2012 23:23 #1

• attar

  Never been for a walk and a cop asks to show him "your ID" - completely illegal where I live, but goes on all the time.
  

  30.12.2012 05:51 #2

• xboxdvl2

  Originally posted by attar: Never been for a walk and a cop asks to show him "your ID" - completely illegal where I live, but goes on all the time. here if they think you are acting suspiciously they can ask you for id and search you on the spot.
  

  i have the big screen tv,a ps3 and 5.1 channel surround sound.car still runs smooth and computer still works but its a bit outdated.

  30.12.2012 11:16 #3

• MC1245 (unverified)

  We do the same here in US. Did you use your SS#, phone number, Card or Bank account number to pay for the service etc. You don't think they know who you are ?

  30.12.2012 18:59 #4

• DADEO1

  Then there's some fine print about some cameras to be installed in every room in your house and a little chip to be implanted in the back of your neck.

  4.1.2013 11:28 #5

• Nosredneh

  China is for control and punishment. I am not. I also am not for me personally being monitored. I do feel that if one comments or sends email that person should be required to included more information and identity. I mean at least a return address and for spam and ads an automatic unsubscribe link. No one should have access to my email address without my right to stop their emails. This goes for Facebook and other site of this nature.

  4.1.2013 12:41 #6