The Internet Society of China set up an anti-malicious software working group last week to deal with increasing complaints from Chinese Internet users.

 

The working group is to conduct research in the field and will work out the definition, characteristics and categories of malicious software, and urge the relevant enterprises to exercise self-discipline, according to industry insiders.

 

The most common complaints are pop-up advertisements, spyware programs, and junk mail.

 

An anti-hooligan software organization in Beijing, which was established by Internet users, or netizens as they called in China, recently filed lawsuits against Internet giants such as Yahoo China for allegedly developing and auto-installing software that cannot be removed.

 

As a result of such action, major portals and websites including Sina.com.cn, Netease.com, Yahoo.com.cn and Baidu.com have signed self-discipline agreements that reject the use of malicious software.

 

An official from the Ministry of Information Industry said the working group will play an important role in curbing the spread of malicious software.

 

(Xinhua News Agency October 30, 2006)