Most PC makers will miss the government deadline to put
internet filtering software on all new machines by tomorrow,
according to theFinancial Times.
According to PC makers, it will take several weeks or even
months to comply if China goes ahead with the controversial order
in the face of international criticism.
The FT report quotes US industry analysts as saying the
inevitable delay could provide an opportunity for Chinese
authorities to find a face-saving compromise.
In May, Chinese authorities ordered PC makers to pre-install or
bundle the controversial Green Dam/Youth Escort software on all PCs
sold in China from 1 July.
The Chinese government said the software is aimed at protecting
China's youth from pornography, but the move has raised concerns
that authorities could be trying to
increase internet censorship.
The order has also raised concerns that the software could make
computers more vulnerable to cyber attacks.
According to security expert,
Bruce Schneier, the filtering software is like a built-in
botnet on every computer in China, which could potentially be
exploited by cybercriminals.