A specific regulation on cell phone messages is expected to be
available this year to rein in junk SMSes.
Xinhuanet reports the Ministry of Information Industry will join
other relevant departments to be in charge of the legislation that
is underway.
An official with the ministry said improved management on domain
names and IP addresses has enabled lawmakers to trace junk message
senders.
The official stressed the implementation of real-name
registration for mobile phone users will ensure the regulation
takes full effect.
China launched real-name registration for cell phone users in
late 2005. However, many have not been covered due to the
astronomical numbers of the country's 460 million mobile phone
users who use prepaid SIM cards without registration.
(CRI February 25, 2007)