China to Introduce "Real Name" Registration to Tighten Internet

The Chinese regime is planning to further tighten Internet control. The latest move is to make web users register with their real names when signing up with Internet and telecom service providers. State-run media say the new rules are for protecting Internet users' personal information. Some see it as an attempt to further stifle online discussion. [Gu Chuan, Visiting Scholar at Columbia University] "They want to scare web users so that they won't speak online. In reality, this law is to control netizens. Why are they rushing it through now? It's because there's been a recent anti-corruption movement via exposing officials online." State-run media like People's Daily have published editorials recently, emphasizing the need to control unverified information online. It follows several embarrassing online exposés of Chinese officials. Whistle-blowers have posted evidence of corruption and other scandals, which then become widely circulated. One netizen says the new rules won't necessarily deter those whistle-blowers. [Mr Zhou, Chinese Netizen] "If they really want to hunt me down then so be it. They can bring on whatever laws they want, I'm not afraid. But this new law will definitely have an impact on anti-corruption—that is, it is trying to protect those corrupt officials." According to state-run media, the latest regulation would require people to present their government issued identity cards when signing contracts for fixed line and mobile Internet access. The draft proposal is expected to be approved on Friday (December 28), when it goes to the rubberstamp parliament, the National People's Congress. The new requirement comes on top of existing "real name" registrations. This year, authorities asked users of microblogging services like Weibo and Tincent to sign up with their real identities. For more news and videos visit ☛ http://ntd.tv Follow us on Twitter ☛ http://twitter.com/NTDTelevision Add us on Facebook ☛ http://on.fb.me/s5KV2C