Online pirates face closure

Sichuan-based websites can be closed within half an hour if they provide unauthorized online games, audio or video of large events like sports competitions and concerts.

Part of a three-month crackdown on Internet privacy until the end of October, the initiative is designed to increase awareness that "authorization comes before product spread", according to the provincial copyright bureau.

Portals for audio, video, literature, animation, software and online games, as well as products related to the ongoing World Expo in Shanghai and the upcoming Asian Games to be held in Guangzhou, are all under examination.

It is the fifth time local authorities held such a special campaign to fight Internet piracy in the southwestern province since 2006.

Beijing Business Today