China Demands New PCs Have Web Site-blocking Program

[Coventina]

Source: PC World

China will require that Web filtering software be included with all computers sold in the country, another step up in its efforts to control pornography and other content on the Internet.

The move follows a government crackdown on online smut that has led to the closure of thousands of Web sites this year, and concern that such campaigns could expand to target content that is political rather than pornographic.

PC makers will be required to pre-install the Web site-blocking program or offer it on a CD-ROM included with all PCs sold in China after July 1, according to a translation of a Ministry of Industry and Information Technology notification seen by IDG News Service.

The move is meant to protect youth from "unhealthy" information online, according to the statement.



Read more: http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/166280/china_demands_new_pcs_have_web_siteblocking_program.html

[KansDem]

1. I don't think this has to do with "smut."

...concern that such campaigns could expand to target content that is political rather than pornographic

This is closer to the truth, but, hey, America!: We need their money...!

[comtec]

4. um.. they MAKE the computers

hell I doubt that the windows on those computers is even made by microsoft.
Chins is THE number ONE PIRATE IN THE WORLD!

if you send something to china to be made i GUARANTEE you that it WILL be copied, pirated, and re-sold to the highest chinese bidder.

[ClarkUSA]

2. Chinese are very prudish so I'm not surprised.

[NYC_SKP]

3. Coming soon to a town near you!

If we aren't vigilant.

Make no mistake.