China Softens Stance on Censor Software

Posted 08/13/2009 at 9:14am | by Paul Lilly

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Internet users living in China won't be forced to install the controversial Green Dam Internet filtering software after all, said China's industry minister Li Yizhong. The software will, however, still be installed on computers at schools and in Internet cafes, said Li.

According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, Li contends the software was always intended to be optional. But previous plans required the Internet filtering software be installed on all computers sold in China. That plan was delayed indefinitely in June following strong opposition from China's estimated 300 million Internet users. There were also reports of security holes that could potentially allow hackers to gain remote access to PCs with the software installed.

The Green Dam software also drew criticism after it was discovered that more than just pornography was being blocked. Researchers at the University of Michigan found that Green Dam restricted access to webpages containing words related to Falun Gong, a semi-religious movement that has been branded a cult by the Chinese government, PC World reports.