The Chinese Government announced on May 4 the setting up of the State Internet Information Office.

The office will lead, coordinate and supervise online content management and handle administrative approval of businesses related to online news reporting. It will also lead the development of online gaming, online video and online publication industries, says a statement of the State Council.

Other responsibilities of the office include promoting construction of major news websites, managing online publicity work of the government and investigating and punishing websites violating laws and regulations.

It will also oversee telecom service providers in their efforts to improve the management of registration of domain names, distribution of IP addresses, registration of websites and Internet access.