China will step up efforts to curb on-line obscenity and improve the internet environment. Seven ministries, including China's State Council Information Office and the Ministry of Public Security, have jointly held a Video Conference to launch a national campaign against on-line pornography. Our reporter XYee has more details.

Reporter:
During the video conference, the 'China Internet Illegal Information Reporting Centre' listed 19 websites that contained obscene or indecent messages. Among them are famous search engines Google and Baidu. Porn pictures and website links could be easily accessed through these most popular search engines and many of them do not delete the porn information even if they have been informed by the reporting centre.

Cai Mingzhao, vice minister of the State Council Information Office, says that the Chinese government would take resolute measures against illegal and porn information on the Internet.

"For those constantly reported websites who refuse to co-operate, we would not indulge any of them. We would take hard measures to expose and treat those illegal websites. If necessary, we will shut some down."

Online pornography could be found in various sectors on the net, some are contained in private blogs, and some in bulletin board systems.

Many parents say they are worried about the internet environment, which could cast quite negative influence on young people and teenagers.

"We are worried about our kids, especially those teenagers who have strong desire for new knowledge. However, they could be led astray by such obscene information, as parents can't be with them all the time. So I sincerely hope that the government takes appropriate measures to purify the internet environment."

During the video conference, leaders from the seven ministries said that they will enhance court actions against those who spread illegal information and porn on the net.
Cai Mingzhao again:

"We would ensure strict law enforcement against those who spread obscene information on the Internet. We would also strengthen legislation in this aspect. For those who have committed minor mistakes, we could resort to criticism and education. For those who have committed serious crimes, however, we should seriously treat them in accordance with laws and regulations."

XYee,CRI News.