China urged to drop web filter software plan

Global business groups have made an unusual direct appeal to Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao to scrap an order for personal computter makers to supply web filtering software, citing security and privacy concerns.

The letter from 22 chambers of commerce and other business groups in the United States, Europe and Japan adds to mounting pressure on Beijing to halt the plan.

The order requires makers to pre-install or supply "Green Dam" filtering software with PCs made for sale in China beginning Wednesday.

The letter from the international business groups, which was dated June 26, was signed by leaders of the American, European and Japanese chambers of commerce in China, the US National Association of Manufacturers and trade groups representing the world's major technology suppliers.

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