China backs down over encryption codes

The Chinese government is to ease strict regulations on the use of encryption technology found in computers and mobile phones following criticism from international businesses.

The regulations required everyone using encryption, which prevents the interception of sensitive information, to hand over the codes for their systems to the government and to register all users with the authorities.

In a statement, the government said it will now exempt mobile phones, e-mail systems and computer operating systems which have built-in encryption systems, and would only require access to any additional encryption tools used by companies.

The move has been welcomed by foreign businesses operating in China.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service