I noted earlier this week that changes in China’s law will crack down on online anonymity. Philippa Warr has more on the real name policy:
Xinhua reports that 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.
Read more on Wired.co.uk.