China will set up “online police stations” at key websites to strengthen internet security amid escalating conflict with the US over allegations of hacking and cyber attacks, state-run media reported on Wednesday.
Online police, who are responsible for openly inspecting the operation of websites and enforcing laws governing online activities, should work hard to uncover and prevent various illegal acts online, Chen Zhimin, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) said on Tuesday.
It will still be a tough battle to fight online crimes, such as Cyber-attack, transmission of violent messages, fraud, identity theft and illegal conducts involving gambling, drugs and pornography which have become a prominent problem affecting national security and social stability, he said at a conference over security of major websites and online services.
Chen said more efforts should be made to provide online police service through “online police stations”, which are designed to learn about suspected online crimes and guide websites to increase their abilities to stay safe, state-run People’s Daily reported.
He also stressed that websites should have self-discipline in refraining from publicising sensitive events and vulgar information, which may lead to crime. The Online Police stations were announced in the backdrop of reports that the US, which has been accusing China of hacking the key data of the top commercial firms, is considering retaliatory measures against China.
