January 19, 2012 03:56 am EDT

China wants microbloggers to register with the government, hand over real identity

Thought that Facebook's and Google+'s requirements that you use your real name were draconian? Just be thankful you're not a weibo addict in China. The government is planning to expand a program that demands users register their real names and disclose their identity. Wang Chen, China's top internet regulation official, said the eventual goal would be to get all 250 million microbloggers registered, starting first with any new users signing up. The obvious privacy and free speech issues that could arise from such a move shouldn't need to be explained -- especially considering the country's track record of censorship and politically motivated arrests. Sadly, unlike SOPA, putting an end to this troubling law isn't as simple as putting up a black banner or emailing your congressman.

China wants microbloggers to register with the government, hand over real identity originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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