Online Gaming Restrictions For Minors Start in China

State-run news agency, Xinhua Net, reports that the Chinese Government yesterday enacted a law which would mean that players of online games would have to register using their real names before being able to play.

The law, originally put forward by the Ministry of Culture back in June, is designed to protect children from objectionable content and prevent videogame addiction, a serious problem in China.

Online games which feature inappropriate content must have measures to restrict children playing the games, according to the new law. This seems to be using official ID cards to confirm the player’s indentity, however some have said that this method cannot ensure minors don’t play the games. A Shanghai lawyer, Li Li, said that because the system is not based on any verifiable information, a child with any ID card could sign up. He says that a national ID system, such as bank account, is needed for the system to be useful.

The law also states that any title which appeals to children must not contain any content deemed objectionable and must ensure a time limit is imposed to prevent addiction.

Online game companies Shanda and Tencent Games said that they already use measures to prevent minors playing their games and so would not be affected by the law.

Via: CNN