Adult sites to require real names

To become members of the adult-oriented Internet sites, individuals now must apply for membership using their real names.

"Starting today, the adult content providers through the Internet will be required to check the names and the citizen identification numbers of the applicants for free and paid memberships through the established network for identity checks," the Commission on Youth Protection under the Prime Minister`s Office announced Thursday.

Adult site providers also will be required to do an oral voice check of the applicants to prevent illegal use of other people`s names.

For paid memberships, adult sites will only be able accept credit card payments and will be banned from accepting e-currency, cyber-passes, or other such cyber-money payments.

Further, they will be required to ban all displays of erotic images and video clips on the top pages of their sites. The top pages also will be required to carry statements requesting that minors leave the sites and allow only the confirmed adult members to continue.

"The current measure resulted from the decision that the adult content providers have released contents that have been banned by the Youth Protection Laws,¡± a source on the commission said. ¡°Further acts that provide such contents to the youth will be prosecuted."