China & Vietnam
China's first law initiated against the vastly growing online gaming industry will take effect on the 01/08/2010.
The law was introduced to protect children from internet addiction after numerous deaths of children at rehabiliation centers for internet-addicted youths last year.
The regulation which was issused by the Ministry of Culture in June, states that online games that target minors must be free of all content leading to the imitation of behavior that violates social morals and the law, according to China's official Xinhua News Agency.
Under the new law, gamers will be required to register using their legal names before participating in online games. Also in turn, online gaming developers will be required to set restrictions that limit the amount of time minors can play such games.
The online gaming industry rose by roughly 40% over 2009, thats the equilvalent of $3.8 billion U.S.
Also in Vietnam the Ministry of Information and Communications has cut off overnight public internet access in businesses and banned advertisements of online games pending new regulations amid a public outcry over games influence on youths.
The move has also temporarily stopped the licensing of online games. Vietnamese officials announced the decision last week and said it will remain in effect until the end of the year.
Government officials said they hope to crack down on games with violent, gambling and pornographic content and rate the games, according to Vietnam News.
The regulation was inforced following local reports that blamed online gaming for an increase juvenile crime, school trunancy and youths developing an addiction to online gaming.
Online gaming attracts an estimated 2 to 3 million youths in Vietnam
A recent survey conducted by the Ministry of Education and Training revealed that 70 to 76 percent of primary school children play online games on weekdays.
During the weekend, 100% of the respondents said they play online games.
Internet shops, or cafes, will not be able to have online access from 11 p.m to 6 a.m under the ban.
http://www.gamer4eva.com/2010/08/online-gaming-banned-overnight-in.html
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