Weibo asking users to register identities

BEIJING - To prevent the use of fake identities and make it easier to trace the source of online rumors, Sina Weibo, which runs the most popular micro blog website in China, has set up a system to verify the identities of users.

Micro-bloggers can now go to the site and voluntarily submit their names, ID numbers and their cell phone numbers. Sina Weibo will then have public security departments check that information for accuracy, Mao Taotao, a public relations manager at Sina, said on Friday.

He said micro-bloggers whose ID numbers jibe with police records will receive an "honor medal", which will be displayed under their user names on the website.