China backs off 'Green Dam' filter software requirement

HONG KONG -- China reversed its stance on a controversial plan that would have required all computers sold in the country to be pre-loaded with internet filtering software, opting for a scaled-back version that would apply only to computers in schools, internet cafes and other public venues.

Consumers who want the software can still install it on their own, China's Minister of Industry and Information Technology Li Yizhong was cited by the official Xinhua news agency as saying Thursday.

"Installation is intended to block violent and pornographic content on the Internet to protect children," Li said.

"Any move to politicize the issue or to attack China's Internet management system is irresponsible and not in line with reality," he said.

China said in May it wanted all computers sold within its borders to carry the software, known as Green Dam-Youth Escort, but delayed the requirement indefinitely June 30. At the time it said the delay was to give computers makers more time to comply with the edict.

Li said installation of the software had always been intended as a voluntary option, and added that confusion may be related to the lack of clarity when the regulations were unveiled by the ministry. link...