The Beijing-based Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced the decision Tuesday, but didn’t say if it had set a new deadline for the software that filters online adult material, as well as antigovernment websites.
The ministry is soliciting opinions to improve the pre-installation plan and has continued to provide a free version of the software for PCs in schools and Internet cafes.
U.S. PC makers have been hesitant about plans to comply with the rule to install the software because technical and other objections must be weighed against business concerns.
Technology experts have warned that Green Dam poses security risks, and just last week U.S. trade officials protested that the filter violates World Trade Organization rules.
China should revoke its mandate for the software, which poses a “possible barrier to trade,” U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk said.
