New strict measures for internet security are being put in place by the Chinese government, who are placing mandatory police officials in the offices of internet companies, reports CNET.

Image Credit: Sinistra Ecologia Libertà (Flickr)

The announcement from China’s Ministry of Public Safety on Wednesday stated that the largest internet firms will soon have “network security officers” with the goal of catching criminal behavior as soon as possible.

It’s not yet clear exactly which companies will be involved, only stating that it would be “important website and Internet firms.”

Xinhua News Agency in China said:

“The units will be able to get a fast grasp on suspected illegal online activities, and serve and direct the websites to improve their ability to safeguard security.”

The Ministry of Public Safety explains this move is an attempt towards increased internet security, but there are concerns that this is a sign that the government are increasing censoring of the internet, and therefore a narrowing of human rights.

Thai Fraud lawyers Chaninat and Leeds have decades of experience in company financial fraud, land fraud, fraud by deception, document fraud, and electronic and computer fraud.

A spokesman for the White House National Security Council said:

“We are concerned by these reports […] The United States’ commitment to Internet freedom reflects our deep-seated belief that individuals have the same universal human rights online and offline.”

China is among the most stringent in the world in terms of Internet censorship, with web services such as Google, Facebook and YouTube not permitted. It has been noted that these are sites that allow for free expression and opinion.

See the full story at CNET.

Free speech and human rights in China was in news last month too, see here for more.