Internet users who spread defamatory information may face fines of up to 5,000 yuan (US$632.6) under new regulations passed by Chongqing Municipality.

The Standing Committee of the Chongqing People's Congress has ratified regulations on the protection of computer information system safety to ward off online libel and slander.

However, legislators scrapped plans to require private individual Internet users to register with the public security bureau after a public outcry against the proposal, saying that it would infringe on privacy rights. At present, computer information systems and institutions with Internet access are required to register with the police.

The regulations stipulate that individuals spreading defamatory information or remarks, launching personal attacks or damaging others' reputations online will receive a warning or be fined 1,000 to 5,000 yuan (US$126.5 to 632.6). Infringements with serious consequences will see their perpetrators detained for up to five days.

Organizations involved in defamatory materials will be fined 3,000 to 15,000 yuan (US$379.6 to 1,897.8). The regulations also set penalties for producing, inputting, and spreading viruses or other harmful data online.

The act follows a State Administration of Radio, Film and Television announcement to regulate online e-gao, a slang term describing the spread of remarks or film clips satirizing others or social phenomena.

(Xinhua News Agency October 18, 2006)