Law-abiding companies, individuals can still use VPNs: ministry

(ECNS) -- The use of virtual private networks (VPN) will not affect individuals and companies that have received approval, said Zhang Feng, spokesperson of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

Zhang, also the ministry's chief engineer, said at a press conference on Tuesday that the ministry's notice issued in January aims to better regulate Internet services and clean up unapproved equivalents.

According to the notice, locally based VPN providers need to be approved by authorities before they can continue business. Data centers, Internet service providers and content distribution networks will also have to comply with the rules.

These will not affect law-abiding companies and individuals, said Zhang.

Zhang added foreign trade-centers or multinational companies can apply for setting up VPN services in accordance with Chinese laws and requirements. All basic or value-added telecommunications must first acquire approval.

China tries to ensure quality, stable and safe telecommunications services through better management and enhanced regulation, it was said.

At the press conference, Wen Ku, director of the telecom department at the ministry, said countries vary in Internet administration, with China having made significant progress in offering coverage and access speed.

Chinese law forbids the spread of harmful information on the Internet, including that related to terrorism and violence.