Beijing Requires Microblogs to Use Real Name System
Xinhuanet.com, 12/16/11
Beijing authorities today issued regulations regarding the management and development of microblogging platforms mandating that all microblog platform operators based in Beijing must require all their users to register with real name information.
According to the News Office, Public Security Bureau, Information Management Bureau, and Internet Information Office of Beijing's municipal government, users will be able to publish posts after registering with their real names. Users who only wish to browse, however, are not required to provide real name information. While they must provide accurate information on the backend, users can choose how they wish to identify themselves publicly on the platform.
All microblog platform operators within the city's administrative jurisdiction must apply for a value-added telecom service operating license or register as a non-operator internet information service, as well as submit an application to the Beijing Municipal Internet Information Content Management Department and agree to be audited. Microblog operators must protect personal information, prevent any data leaks, and prohibit the creation or trade of "zombie" followers.
The regulations go into effect immediately. Existing microblog platform operators have three months to file applications with the Internet Information Content Management Department, and transition existing users to the new system.
Keywords: Internet Public Security Bureau operating license real name system microblogging regulation