The Internet Society of China set up an anti-malicious software
working group last week to deal with increasing complaints from
Chinese Internet users.
The working group is to conduct research in the field and will
work out the definition, characteristics and categories of
malicious software, and urge the relevant enterprises to exercise
self-discipline, according to industry insiders.
The most common complaints are pop-up advertisements, spyware
programs, and junk mail.
An anti-hooligan software organization in Beijing, which was
established by Internet users, or netizens as they called in China,
recently filed lawsuits against Internet giants such as Yahoo China
for allegedly developing and auto-installing software that cannot
be removed.
As a result of such action, major portals and websites including
Sina.com.cn, Netease.com, Yahoo.com.cn and Baidu.com have signed
self-discipline agreements that reject the use of malicious
software.
An official from the Ministry of Information Industry said the
working group will play an important role in curbing the spread of
malicious software.
(Xinhua News Agency October 30, 2006)