New Chinese Rule Requires Real Names Online

crimeandpunishment writes "According to a human rights group, a leading Chinese Internet regulator is calling for new rules requiring people to use their real names online and when buying mobile phones. New York-based 'Human Rights in China' says it has obtained the complete text of a speech Wang Chen, director of the State Council Information Office, made in April, and they quote him as saying 'We will make the Internet real name system a reality as soon as possible.'"

Comments

Re:It's being done in the US too

[Runaway1956]

"using my real name is not dangerous here,"

How sure are you of that? I'm not even going to argue that you have to fear the GOVERNMENT. There are plenty of other people that you should fear. I think that it's Dateline that ran all those child predator expose's - if you're young and female, and the predator can get your name and location, they'll come flocking to your door. Hell, if you're young and MALE, a different predator will come to your door, too. Then, there are the predators who prefer the more mature females.

Alright, let's forget about sex predators. How about more "normal" thieves, muggers, and robbers. Only months ago, someone was selling something online, and agreed to meet the buyers AT THEIR HOME. The buyer shows up with a gun and a freind, and they walk away with the goodies.

Politics. I argue politics online all the time. Some of those crazy SOB's would be happy to ambush me when I leave the house in the morning, because I hate their favorite, or they hate my favorite, or whatever. Step into ANY political forum, and say anything good about Obama, and the crazies will come out of the woodwork with "He isn't a citizne" "He's a Moslem" "Obama hates whites" "Obama hates America", etc ad nauseum

Still on politics, world level. I've badmouthed a LOT of people like Osama bin Laden. Some of the people I've argued with actually claim to have fought against westerners and against whites, and to have fought against American interests. I have little idea if any individual claim is true or not - but out of all of them, one or more may very well have the resources and/or the contacts to send a squad to my house. IF, that is, I were foolish enough to tell them who I am, and where I live.

Is it dangerous to identify yourself online? Maybe not - if you're a homely old dude with nothing to lose, and no political convictions. But, you MIGHT come to the attention of some kid who needs to impress his gang, so he decides to come to your house and kill you.

Go ahead, put YOUR full name and all your details online. I'll pass. Oh - don't forget. The clown(s) who show up to take you out will probably see your wife and kids, and use them for amusement after they knock you off. But, hey, that's the risk your family takes for associating with you, right?