According to press sources, the authorities in China’s
second largest city, Shanghai, have closed down nearly 200 internet cafes.
The move is reported to coincide with the launch by the central government
of a drive against “harmful” content on the web, to prevent
young people from being corrupted. One official said the premises were
in areas overlooked in previous campaigns. Last year, the Chinese authorities
reportedly shut down 17,000 internet cafes that failed to install the
necessary software, or they are being used for “illegal activities”.
Some say that the move is in line with the government's desire to
encourage the internet as a commercial medium without creating a forum
for political dissent.

Beijing requires internet bars to install software to
block restricted web sites and record user activities. Unsurprisingly,
banned websites include those run by democracy activists, outlawed groups
such as Falung Gong, and some foreign news organisations. Those containing
pornographic material are also blocked.