China wants blogger's identity

In an apparent move to keep dissention at a minimum, the Internet Society of China has recommended that the government require bloggers use their real names when registering their blogs. While no decision has been made as of yet, officials say such a system will be put in place.

China's communist leadership has cracked down hard on Internet free speech in the country, claiming that some outside information would subvert the Chinese government. China regularly blocks certain Web sites, and monitors net communications.

The Ministry of Information Industry, of which the group is a part of, had recently issued decrees that expanded its oversight to blogs and Internet-based news sites. The "real name" system could be seen as an extension of these policies.

"A real name system will be an unavoidable choice if China wants to standardize and develop its blog industry," Internet Society secretary general told the state-run Xinhua news agency Monday.

While bloggers would still be able to use a handle to post under, the new policy would stipulate that a real name be provided at registration.