China plans to censor internet on all new PCs

Manufacturers are concerned the software could track and report users' web behaviour and make computers more vulnerable to hacking

China has a history of censoring the internet

The Chinese government is planning to require that all personal computers sold in the country after July this year have software included that blocks access to parts of the internet, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.

The government has told international PC manufacturers of the requirement but has yet to announce it publicly. The software would not necessarily be pre-installed, but could be included on a CD shipped with new hardware.

The government in China has a history of internet censorship and has been particularly ruthless over the last two weeks in blocking online content that references the 20th anniversary of the Tianamanen Square riots.

Some manufacturers are concerned the software could track and report users' web behaviour and make them more vulnerable to hacking attacks, as well as blocking sites.

The software was developed by two companies tied to China's military and its security ministry – Jinhui Computer System Engineering and Beijing Dazheng Human Language Technology Academy.

Many large manufacturers will be concerned that if they do not comply they will lose market share in one of the fastest-growing markets for PCs. Many have shares in factories and research facilities in the country.

"We are studying the new rule to assess its impact, Susan Stevenson, spokesman for the US embassy in Beijing, told the Wall Street Journal.

"We would view any attempt to restrict the free flow of information with great concern and as incompatible with China's aspirations to build a modern, information-based economy and society."