CRI听力:Be Cautious about Real-name Registration on Internet

It is an undeniable fact that microblogging services are developing rapidly in China. Nearly 600 million microblogging IDs have been registered with Beijing's seven microblogging service providers. As many as 85 million microblog posts are currently uploaded on Sina.com Weibo microblog service each day.

Zhu Zhengfu, a political advisor and vice president of China's National Bar Association, points out the two sides of popular tool and the importance of the real-name registrations.

"Microblog is a style of expression that shows internet democracy and free speech, but it has problems like language violence, vicious slander and disseminating false information. From this angle, it is quite necessary to implement a real-name account registration system in the long run."

Many internet users hold the same view and acknowledge the positive part of the regulation. Zhang Guimin is one of them.

"I think it helps to maintain a healthy internet. Firstly it is an effective way for the internet regulators, and second, under the constraints, mircobloggers will realize that they have to take the responsibility for their words."

But many others are greatly concerned about the lack of their privacy in providing their real names when opening a Weibo account. Yu Xiaofang, another microblog user, subscribes to this view.

"Personally, I dislike the real-name registration system, because I want to express my feelings and emotions at will on my mircoblog, including some complaints. But if I have to use my real name, the people around me will know what I really think, so I won't say anything about it."

But Shi Xiansheng, an official from the China Internet Association, argues the new rule is aimed at protecting web users' interests and improving credibility on the web. He says users' real names will not be displayed if the users so desire.

"The regulation says that users are free to choose their screen names, although they must provide their real names when they register an account with a service provider or entrusted third party. Many people doubt whether we can protect their privacy, I think it is a rigorous project. Of course, it is necessary to interpret the rule to dismiss the doubts."

The new rule has also gained support from microblog service providers who have been trying hard to stop the spread of false information on microblogs.

Compared with China's legal system, which has been in effect for decades, regulation of the internet is still in its infancy. Given this circumstance, Zhu is concerned that legislation governing internet activities could infringe upon people's freedom of internet access.

He emphasizes the need to strike a balance between combating piracy and protecting users' rights. He disagrees with the real-name registration requirement because he fears it will compromise the security of personal information and possibly infringe upon citizens' freedom. Zhu is calling on other cities in China to cautiously consider making the same move as Beijing.

"My opinion is we can proceed with a real-name system step by step with gradual legislation building and technological innovation to better protect citizens' rights. If we have all the prerequisites, I think the system can work better."

For CRI, tihis is Zhang Wan.