China cracks down on internet anonymity, Requires Every Internet user to register with their real names

Tighter internet controls have been approved in China which will require web users to register their real names with internet service providers.

 The decision was approved in order to "ensure internet information security, safeguard the lawful rights and interests of citizens, legal entities or other organizations and safeguard national security and social public interests." The real name policy will also come into play when signing telephone contracts and signing up to services which allow users to post information in the public domain.

 In conjunction with the government's requirement that service providers report illegal activity and content to officials, the rules could put an end to anonymous discussion and the ability to voice dissent or disagreement online. Anonymity online has been a major source of contention in China with various measures being introduced over the last twelve months to restrict the ability to post on microblogs and similar sites under the relative protection of a pseudonym.

 The Chinese government is keen to point out the benefits of the new system, saying that it will require service providers to increase their protection of customer data and up their levels of transparency as well as decreasing spam messaging.

Penalties for businesses violating the policy include license revocation, enforced website closures and bans from the online business arena. The new restrictions could also prevent users from accessing Western websites which are banned inside China, such as Facebook, Twitter, Bloomberg and the New York Times.