Internet users who spread defamatory information may face fines of up to 5,000 yuan (US$625) in southwest China under new regulations passed by Chongqing municipality.

The Standing Committee of the Chongqing People's Congress, or local legislature has ratified the regulations on the protection of computer information system safety.

However, legislators scrapped plans to require private individual Internet users to register with the Public Security Bureau after a public outcry against the proposal.

The regulations stipulate that individuals who spread information or remark defaming others, launch personal attacks or damage others' reputations on-line will receive a warning or be fined 1,000 to 5,000 yuan (US$125 to 625).

Those who cause serious consequences will be detained for up to five days.

Organizations involved in defamatory materials will be fined 3,000 to 15,000 yuan (US$375 to 1,875).

The act follows a State Administration of Radio, Film and Television announcement to regulate on-line "egao", a slang term to describe the spreading of remarks or film clips to satirize others or social phenomena.

Computer information systems and institutions that have access to the Internet are required to be registered with the police if they have an Internet connection.

The regulations also set out penalties for producing, inputting, and spreading viruses or other harmful data on-line.

(Xinhua News Agency October 17, 2006)