Source: CCTV.com

02-08-2007 08:42

Heated debate is underway in China as the Internet Society of China moves head with a proposal for a real-name blogger registration system.

Supporters of the plan argue the system will reduce fraud and on-line character attack -- creating good order in cyberspace. Opponents say the plan will cost the Chinese Internet its beauty and vitality.

Bolianshe, or the United Commune of Blogs, is the country's first real-name blog site. There are three ways to join, an invitation from the webmaster, a recommendation from another member, or applying with proof of identity.

Two thousand users have signed up since the site launched in December. Veteran reporter Ma Xiaolin, who founded the site, says its frank and rational atmosphere made it popular.

Ma said, "The value of information lies in its authenticity. And true information can not be separated from a true ID of its source. Only when we adopt a real-name blogging system, can we ensure every blogger is responsible for his or her posts. Only in this way can we maintain order in the cyberspace."

Ma Xiaolin says he is trying to build up a platform of communication for Chinese intellectuals. He admits it is a niche market. Veteran media scholar Yu Guoming says such real-name websites are good. But in 99% of the cases, it is anonymity that makes the Internet wonderful.

Yu Guoming, Deputy Director School of Journalism, Renmin University, said, "Cyberspace gives people endless possibilities. It satisfies people's needs to express themselves and try out different roles. For example, a cook may be obscure in real life, but charismatic on the Internet. Cyberspace actually provides a good outlet for whatever tensions, pressures or ill humour he is experiencing at the moment. "

Yu Guoming points out most bloggers conduct themselves civilly and ethically. He calls on people to be more tolerant about what happens on the Internet. He argues that copying laws and regulations from the real world into the virtual one won't work. The choice of disclosing one's name or of remaining anonymous should be left to the individual. He adds real name disclosure never ought to be mandatory.

Yu also said, "I think even if we enforce a real-name blogger registration system, it will be abolished in five or ten years. It doesn't fit the trend of China's social and cultural development. Anonymity is a basic right of people. Restricting such rights can only be done by the legislative departments and must be done with extreme caution."

Official statistics show China had about 20 million bloggers at the end of last year. Over 3 million are active writers. Experts say whether real-name registration sites can be accepted and welcomed can only be decided by the bloggers themselves.

Editor:Liu Fang