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China to Force Authors to Provide Real Names When Publishing Online
Under the guidelines, creators of online content will still be allowed to publish under pen names. But unlike before, when some writers registered accounts under fake names, websites will know exactly who is publishing what.
Linking the identities of authors with their writings online, the guidelines say, will encourage them to “take better responsibility” for their works as well as strengthen their “professional moral education and training.” The aim is to promote “healthy” online literature and to root out problems like plagiarism and poor quality, the guidelines state.
China Is Requiring People to Register Real Names for Some Internet Services
The new regulations, to be enforced starting March 1, ban nine categories of usernames, including anything that harms national security, involves national secrets, incites ethnic discrimination or hatred, or harms national unity. Names that promote #*$!ography, gambling, violence, terror, superstition and rumors are also banned, according to the statement.
Users will also be required to agree to respect the law, the socialist political system, social morality and truth before being allowed to use a given service.
