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Microblog users react to real-name registration
By Li Ying Source:Global Times Published: 2012-3-16 0:58:00
Microbloggers in the country had mixed reactions toward the real-name registration rule, whose deadline falls Friday.
Both new and existing Weibo users must have their accounts verified by today or face being banned from posting or forwarding messages, according to the rule issued by the Beijing Internet Information Office (BIIO) on December 16.
"In accordance with the rule, Sina Weibo has been making efforts to help users register their identities," Liu Qi, a spokesman for the company, told the Global Times.
Liu said he could not say whether anonymous users will be banned after tomorrow.
Sina said Monday that 60 percent of its 300 million users have completed identity verification.
Lin Tao from the Sohu Weibo marketing department told the Global Times that the company would comply with the regulation.
Tong Liqiang, a deputy director of BIIO, said the rule aims to protect Web users' interests and improve credibility on the Internet.
"Though microblogs are providing increasing convenience for our lives, there are side effects, such as rumors and fraud spreading via the platform," Tong told reporters.
"I hope these new rules prevent such things. For service providers, the real-name system will help build their credibility, and eliminate the spread of rumors and false information," he added.
"A concern held by many is that there is the risk of users' personal information being publicly revealed," Li Li, an industry insider, told the Global Times.
Service providers have promised that personal information is safe from leaks.
"Sina Weibo, combined with public security departments, have developed new techniques in a bid to establish a stable and safe system for Weibo users," Peng Shaobin, general manager of the Sina Weibo business department was quoted as saying by the Beijing Daily.
"So far, no personal information has been leaked," he said.
While many users have started verifying their accounts, others are still waiting to see what will happen.
"If the anonymous accounts are banned from posting messages, Weibo providers should make an official announcement to tell us, but so far I haven't heard of any such change," said Zhong Ying, 29, who registered with Sina Weibo last year, adding, "I will wait and see."
Both new and existing Weibo users must have their accounts verified by today or face being banned from posting or forwarding messages, according to the rule issued by the Beijing Internet Information Office (BIIO) on December 16.
"In accordance with the rule, Sina Weibo has been making efforts to help users register their identities," Liu Qi, a spokesman for the company, told the Global Times.
Liu said he could not say whether anonymous users will be banned after tomorrow.
Sina said Monday that 60 percent of its 300 million users have completed identity verification.
Lin Tao from the Sohu Weibo marketing department told the Global Times that the company would comply with the regulation.
Tong Liqiang, a deputy director of BIIO, said the rule aims to protect Web users' interests and improve credibility on the Internet.
"Though microblogs are providing increasing convenience for our lives, there are side effects, such as rumors and fraud spreading via the platform," Tong told reporters.
"I hope these new rules prevent such things. For service providers, the real-name system will help build their credibility, and eliminate the spread of rumors and false information," he added.
"A concern held by many is that there is the risk of users' personal information being publicly revealed," Li Li, an industry insider, told the Global Times.
Service providers have promised that personal information is safe from leaks.
"Sina Weibo, combined with public security departments, have developed new techniques in a bid to establish a stable and safe system for Weibo users," Peng Shaobin, general manager of the Sina Weibo business department was quoted as saying by the Beijing Daily.
"So far, no personal information has been leaked," he said.
While many users have started verifying their accounts, others are still waiting to see what will happen.
"If the anonymous accounts are banned from posting messages, Weibo providers should make an official announcement to tell us, but so far I haven't heard of any such change," said Zhong Ying, 29, who registered with Sina Weibo last year, adding, "I will wait and see."
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