No new Internet cafes to be opened in China this year

No new Internet cafes to be opened in China this year

The Chinese government has revealed that they would not be giving out any new licenses this year to open cyber cafes in the country.

The regulatory body would instead continue to carry out an industry-wide inspection as the government wants to control the excessive online time spent by individuals online.

The Chinese State Administration for Industry and Commerce added in a note that they would look into whether Internet cafes are improperly renting out their licenses or failing to register their customers’ identities. It said: “Industry and commerce bureaus at all levels must not license any new Internet cafes in 2007.”

The government would however continue to promote the use of Internet in business and education sectors.

China happens to be the second largest Internet market with as many as 137 million people online. At its current growing rate they are likely to displace USA from the top spot in the coming two years.