China wants new PCs to have internet blocks

All personal computers sold in China from the start of next month will require software to block certain websites as government censors tighten their grip on internet use.

The Chinese government, which has told the PC maker of the change in rules, said the move was designed to protect young people from "harmful" content while the company behind the software, which has not been named, claimed the move was primarily to block pornographic websites.

China has a long history of censoring internet content and preventing access to search engines. Computer makers will now have to choose between potential huge sales in one of the biggest markets in the world or face accusations of helping censorship.

"We are studying the new rule to assess its impact," Susan Stevenson, spokeswoman 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."