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.