China delays censorship software launch

The Chinese government has delayed the roll out of censorship software that was supposed to have been installed on every computer sold from tomorrow.

The plans prompted huge levels of online opposition by Chinese citizens and foreign governments have criticised the proposals.

The Guardian reported that Xinhua, the state news agency, reported the plans had been changed just four hours before the software launch was due.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said, "China will delay the mandatory installation of the 'Green Dam-Youth Escort' filtering software on new computers." The software blocks pornographic, violent and politically sensitive content.

Thousands of Chinese people had protested against the censorship plan by signing up to proxy servers that bypass the government's controls.

It is not yet clear whether the Chinese government will go ahead with the plan at a later date, or when it will happen.