Blog Requires Real-Name Material

A blog requiring users to post notes and comments using only their real names — believed to be the first such site in China — launched in Beijing Monday.

The Web site is geared to intellectuals, said site founder Mao Xiaolin. He added that he hopes it will become a popular online platform for communication, social contacts and business, the official Xinhua news agency said.

Chinese intellectuals enthusiastic about social matters said they were willing to publish their opinions, Mao said. By establishing blogs on the site, writers put their knowledge to use.

Participation on the site is by invitation only, Mao said. The Web site will check the work background and identity of every applicant.

Blogging has created many disputes, including invasion of privacy, libel and slander, Chinese government officials said when they initiated a study on implementing real-name blogs.

As a result of the study, China Internet Association Councilor Hu Qiheng said bloggers in the future may have to identify themselves when they register. They could write their blogs under a pseudonym.