青少年上网真的需要过滤软件吗？

Starting next month, filtering software will be installed on new computers to protect young Chinese people from pornography and violence. The news has triggered debate both home and abroad.

This is one of the most popular electronics shopping centers in Beijing. People are debating the pros and cons of the new filtering software. One customer says he heard the news this morning and is here to buy a laptop for his son.

Sun Chenzhi, one consumer said "I think there's enough freedom for our netizens. But of course there should be no absolute freedom. The government is doing this for the sake of the next generation. This is to teach morals to young people."

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has invested some forty two million yuan, or about six point one million US dollars, on the software. It is pre-installed, but can also be removed by users.

Liu Jia, another consumer said "I personally think it's unnecessary. You can't really control what young people do. They are very disobedient. And it also costs a lot of money if users can choose to remove it, it's really a waste of money."

Cao Xin is one of those who prefers to wait and see.

Cao Xin, sales representative said "I'm more concerned about the software's technical reliability. It'd be better if we had more trials. And its effectiveness depends on how parents make use of it."

The developer clarifies the nature of the software, saying it is only a filter and is not capable of spying on Internet users. The company also says it made a bid for the project out of social responsibility. It says ensuring the future of young people is something money can't buy.

China has always made efforts to make cyberspace safe for young people. In 2007, online gaming operators were ordered to install anti-addiction software. There are now high hopes that the hotly debated filter will protect its target users against pornography and violence. And there's always the option to remove the software.