Some 30,000 to 40,000 people who monitor the internet for the mainland authorities are no longer enough for the job. From the end of next month, 'virtual cops' will join them. Cartoon icons of policemen will appear on websites nationwide to remind internet surfers that the government is watching. The idea is that their mere presence will make people pause before posting messages on sensitive subjects.
News of the virtual police plan, which was introduced on Shenzhen websites last year, emerged at the same time as the Ministry of Public Security - in conjunction with nine government agencies - launched its latest crackdown on illicit internet activity. Like previous campaigns, the ministry's main targets are pornography, online strip shows and gambling websites, including the numerous unofficial online lotteries.