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China May Place Further Restrictions on Bloggers

Chinese authorities are considering another move to further regulate its already restrictive internet society. The Internet Society of China, a society affiliated with the country?s Ministry of Information, has suggested to the government that potential bloggers be required to use their real names when they register their blogs. Although no official date for this move has been set, authorities say that it is inevitable. The Internet Society of China fears that bloggers may anonymously spread false information about the country on the internet, causing ?a negative influence on society?.

The latest recommendation by the Society comes on the heels of other restrictions that have been imposed on the Chinese internet market in recent months. China has created strict rules regarding internet chatter, especially when it comes to politically sensitive topics. China?s media is state run and, as such, most shows and opinions are heavily censored before being allowed to be broadcast. Further restrictions involve restricting the participation in university online discussion groups to students only, and regulating internet news content.

China is doing its utmost to ensure that the free-for-all genre of the internet doesn?t make its way into its country?s border. However, China might be fighting a losing battle. The internet has already proven to be unstoppable, with the capability of reaching every corner of the earth if the infrastructure exists. This latest requirement by authorities to force bloggers to register with their real names may only be a shot in the dark in attempt by the Chinese government to restrict the internet industry