The rule, released by the State Council, was drafted to regulate the business activities of Internet operators and guarantee the healthy development of the Internet in China.

Government departments in the sectors of culture, public security, commerce and telecommunication are responsible for the approval and examination of Internet bars.

Commercial Internet cafes are not allowed to be set up in the vicinity of primary or middle schools. Many Chinese parents have complained to the education authorities that their children have become addicted to the Internet through commercial cyber cafes and that their health and academic situation have been affected in negative ways.

The new regulation also highlights fire safety by urging Internet cafes to keep all emergent exits open. If the owners of Internet cafes are not able to provide a safe environment for surfers, they will be fined or their business will be shut down.

A fire tragedy in Beijing in June rang the alarm bell for the public and the government: three teenagers set fire to an illegally run Internet bar named "Lanjisu." The fire killed 25 people, most of whom were students.

According to the regulation, which takes effect on November 15, it is illegal for Internet surfers to spread material on evil cults, superstitions and rumors, or to libel others online, and gambling, violence and pornography cannot be promoted on the Internet.

(China Daily October 12, 2002)