China to develop technologies fighting minors' Internet addiction

China's top legislature is considering amending a law to encourage research and development of technologies to prevent minors from becoming Internet addicts.

The draft amendment to the law on the protection of minors would have the state take measures to organize R&D into new technologies, which might include software that can terminate on-line gaming at fixed time.

It was submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for second reading.

The draft amendment also bans commercial dance halls, bars and Internet cafes from admitting minors.

The move comes amid rising concern that more and more young people are getting hooked on the Internet.

The government claims that there are 15.4 million young netizens among the 123 million people who regularly use the Internet. Two million of them, are addicted, and the number is increasing.

Source: Xinhua