China has been using such tactics as blocking cell and internet service in areas of conflict as a means to control the spread of information. Now China is instituting ever tighter internet controls. Web users will now be required to register their names, curtailing any anonymous chatting or blogging.
According to the new regulation, this measure will “ensure internet information security, safeguard the lawful rights and interests of citizens, legal entities or other organisations, and safeguard national security and social public interests.”
China’s leadership promotes the use of the internet for business and educational purposes, but bans material deemed subversive or obscene. Access to many websites is blocked.
While the government claims to be cracking down on corruption, this new regulation will only hinder the free and anonymous reporting which has recently revealed a series of scandals among lower-level officials. One such example being a local party official in south-west China who was sacked after a videotape of him having sex with a young woman was spread on the internet.
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