China Backs Off Blog Rules

[HardOCP News]

Thanks to public outcry, China is backing away from a plan that required all bloggers to use their real names when they register blogs.

Instead, the government would promote a 'self-discipline code' that would encourage, but not mandate, bloggers to register under their own names, the report said, citing draft guidelines published by the Internet Society of China.

 

[Pepsiennis]

Nom de plume, or pen names, are a deeply rooted tradition in Chinese culture that has seen a resurgence with the ascendancy of internet use here. More than anything, that is the reason for the outcry (I have several friends who are bloggers here, a few of them party members in fact, so have heard a bit first hand). Also, contrasting with American culture, some people here will not stop once they start, much like a person who doesn't know when to stop joking after the initial polite laughter. So, a balance does need to be struck between traditions and community responsibility. Not an easy task with a population of 1.3 billion and counting.

 

[Martyr]

not like it was possible for them to enforce anyway

 

[Pepsiennis]

not like it was possible for them to enforce anyway

Oh, I don't know. We can and do exercise similar controls at times when they are good for society, and our internet population is still greater than theirs, I believe. From [H] front page, as posted by Steve:

Websites Listing Informants Identities Irks Officials

Apparently the Justice Department is a bit miffed over a website that exposes the identities of informants including names, addresses and mug shots. As of this morning, the site has been suspended by its ISP.

There are three “rats of the week” on the home page of whosarat.com, a Web site devoted to exposing the identities of witnesses cooperating with the government. The site posts their names and mug shots, along with court documents detailing what they have agreed to do in exchange for lenient sentences.
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Comments

Posted by Steve 10:16 AM (CDT)