It's time to spring the net

The Web has revolutionized the way the government communicates with the public but many officials are still being slow in making the most of the Internet, report Lan Tian in Beijing, and Li Yingqing and Guo Anfei in Kunming

From "online bystanders" to an outspoken force, netizens have begun to play a large role in setting China's social agenda. By repeatedly exposing injustices and corruption, the Internet has become an effective tool in policing officials, say digital media analysts.

Yet critics claim many local authorities have been too slow in harnessing the power of the Web, mainly due to "over cautious" attitudes.