Guangzhou Launches Real Name Card for Internet Cafes

Guangzhou Daily, 11/17/07

From November 11 users of Internet cafes in Guangzhou will be required to carry a card registered to their real name. Users will be required to purchase the cards, issued by Guangzhou PSB, at a cost of RMB 10, and become a member of the cafe. The card cannot be returned.

The new system has aroused controversy, as casual Internet cafe users are not willing to purchase the card. The system was implemented in Guangzhou's four largest Internet cafe chains from September 30, becoming compulsory for all Internet cafes since November 12. Customer numbers in Internet cafes have fallen 50% since implementation, a major blow to a sector which already sees low profits.

Marbridge Consulting RSS Feed