The Chinese government has backed down on its internet censorship rule requiring all personal computer to carry Green Dam filtering software, which was to be implemented on July 1. Official Chinese newswire Xinhua last night reported the government will not go ahead with the regulations due to technical issues and concerns about data security. However, the international reaction to the policy would have played a big part in the decision not to go ahead with Green Dam/Youth Escort. US trade representative Ron Kirk said the implementation of the software could be a possible barrier to trade and, with the European Union, appealed to the World Trade Organisation to preside over the issue.