Most internet cafes still break proximity rule

An internet cafe in Cau Giay District, Ha Noi. — VNA/VNS Photo Tran Thanh Giang

HA NOI — Many internet shops located within 200 metres of schools were operating and supplying internet services despite regulations that ordered them to close down before Monday, said director of Ha Noi's Information and Communications Department Pham Quoc Ban.

Previously, the department had instructed internet service providers to cut services to 204 internet shops located within 200 metres of schools as part of a drive to tighten controls on online games.

Ban said the department also found that these shops failed to install required management software and meet health and safety regulations.

Many were open all day, despite a ruling that said shops must close between 10pm and 6am.

"I have seen hundreds of young people between 14-16 years old playing games, eating and sleeping at internet shops at night," said Ban at a conference on Tuesday.

Department inspector Nguyen Van Minh said district authorities reported that only half of the internet shops abided by the time regulation.

The inspector cited an internet shop on Giang Vo Street as an example. The shop is across the street from the Hoa Sen Nursery School and was open despite being required to close down.

Minh said the shop's internet had been blocked, but the owner had it reconnected.

Two students commit suicide Two students committed suicide last week after being scolded by their parents for their online gaming addiction. Bui Tan Cuong, 14, from southern Tien Giang Province often skipped class to play games. Pham Quang Vu, 15, from Pleiku City in Central Highland Gia Lai Province sold his parents' jewellery to get money to play games. The two were said to be good students before developing an addiction to online games. — VNS

Ban placed the blame on internet service providers who had failed to check with their internet agents regularly and were unaware of the regulations.

Viettel Corporation's Internet Service Centre deputy director Bui Quang Huy said an internet shop could buy multiple packages from an internet provider, which would allow stores to continue to operate after being banned.

Huy suggested that testing devices should be installed at these shops to monitor their operations and their gaming content. Huy said such devices would work as ‘a long-term and effective method' to prevent illegal operations.

The regulations should be implemented nationwide, not only in Ha Noi, he said.

Deputy Minister of the Information and Communications Le Nam Thang said the ministry would consider expanding their regulations. — VNS

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