IPv6: Challenge to Internet freedom?

A China-backed Internet technical standard reportedly might allow the traceability of Internet users, especially those opposing government policies.

The standard, known as IPv6, solves technical problems faced by the Internet around the world, The International Herald Tribune reported Monday. But critics say IPv6 would allow governments, as well as other entities, to track what people do on the Internet.

"There is now anonymity for criminals on the Internet in China," said Hu Qiheng, chairman of the Internet Society of China, a public-private group founded five years ago to promote the Internet in China. "With the China Next Generation Internet project, we will give everyone a unique identity on the Internet."

Added Hu: "It may not be popular everywhere to say this, but I think it is important for the government to monitor and police the Internet. Bad things now happen on the Internet, and we want to stop that."

Copyright 2006 by United Press International