Computer security rules stir debate

From May 2009, foreign companies may need government approval for computer security technology they use in China. Once new rules are finalised, technology used by foreign companies to secure their email systems and other internal software and hardware will need to be checked and approved.

The Announcement on Imposing Compulsory Certification on Certain Information Security Products, was issued by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, and the Certification and Accreditation Administration, on January 28 2008. It states that, from May 1, “information security products listed under the catalogue for compulsory certification will not be allowed to leave the factory, or be sold, imported or used in other business activities without obtaining the certificate for compulsory product certification or having the China Compulsory Certification mark affixed.”