China puts end to internet anonymity

After banning the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN) apps in the country earlier this month, the Chinese government now wants to abolish internet anonymity once and for all.

Notorious for its strict internet censorship laws, China now requires netizens who  post comments online to register with their real names.

According to the Verge, the Chinese regime has attempted to enforce the rule for the past three years but has been unable to do so due to lack of help from internet companies and service providers.

Now, the government has made such companies responsible for ensuring users will abide by the new law. Each network provider is also responsible for reporting any illegal content or negative remark against the government, the report said.

Furthermore, Chinese internet users will still be allowed to use pseudonyms, but still need to provide their real identities.

Meanwhile, the new rule is expected to cover China’s various social media platforms—particularly Weibo, which has often been used by netizens to hide their identities and air their grievances against the government.  Khristian Ibarrola /ra

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