China to require software on PCs to block sites | Technology | Reuters

Description

China to require software on PCs to block sites

BEIJING/TAIPEI (Reuters) - The Chinese government has required that personal computer makers bundle software that filters Internet content from July 1, raising concerns over cyber-security as well as Internet freedoms.

The free "Green Dam-Youth Escort" software, developed by Jinhui Computer System Engineering Co, can effectively filter "unhealthy words and images," according to a Ministry of Industry and Information Technology document seen by Reuters.

Foreign computer makers are now caught between maintaining access to their fastest-growing major market, and concerns the mandatory software will make their products vulnerable to security breaches as well as potential malfunctions.

The requirement to pre-install the software is "in order to consolidate the achievements of the online campaign ...

Original URL

http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSTRE5570DF20090608

http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSTRE5570DF20090608