Can China manage an online games ban?
China's official news agency Xinhua has reported that online games will now be more firmly regulated, with new games requiring approval by government censors and references to sensitive political and religious matters -- presumably including the status of Taiwan or the treatment of Falun Gong adherents -- not allowed.
Online gaming has proved a lucrative business in China, with many Chinese accessing the games at low-priced Internet cafes, a common phenomenon throughout Asia.
China has long sought to regulate most Internet content, with companies like Google forced to censor results in order to operate in the country. It also exercises tight control over blogs and other Internet news media, despite an official stance which says Internet access in not blocked.
