China bans social networking for the army

China has banned its military force from using social networking and other match-making websites to prevent leak of classified information, a report on People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Daily said.

The Chinese soldiers will now need permission to access internet outside the army. The new rules also prohibit soldiers from listening to any political propaganda from foreign media.

A notice issued by General Political Department of the PLA and the General Staff Headquarters said the authorities have decided to tighten the regulations for soldiers socializing on the internet and meeting people online.

The notice aims to prevent violation of laws and keeping military secrets safe from being compromised.