Experts say digital products for children have weaker online security. (Photo : Reuters)
According to the Ministry of Public Security, the Chinese government is planning to put "network security offices" in key Internet firms and online sites as part of its efforts to combat illegal online behavior.
"We will set up 'network security offices' inside important website and Internet firms, so that we can catch criminal behavior online at the earliest possible point," Deputy Minister Chen Zhimin remarked.
Chen added that the police force should play the lead role in securing online security and in working closely with Internet watchdogs.
In recent years, authorities have been monitoring and imposing tight control over domestic Internet. Officials have also admonished social media firms, such as Tencent and Sina Corp., at times for not taking immediate action over pornography, scams and other sensitive online contents.
Last month, the government has issued a cybersecurity law draft, consolidating its control over the Internet. The law aims to strengthen user privacy protection and elevate the authorities' rights to obtain records and hamper dissemination of information tagged as illegal.
The law further gives potential consequences to Internet service providers and multinational companies who will disobey by its implementing rules and regulations.
In a statement, the public security ministry said: "As the country enters the Internet age, network security has become a national security issue and social stability issue, important to economic development and a serious day-to-day working issue for citizens."
New measures will also help prevent online theft and protect private data, it further said.
Cybersecurity remains an irksome issue with economic partners, who regard the recently published draft as biased and unfair for foreign firms.
