From now on an owner of an Internet-Cafe or a person authorized by him is to keep a log of domain names of sites read by users. A log of domain names is to be stores for at least 12 months and if necessary given to officers of state security, law-enforcing and state inspection agencies. This demand in contained in a decree of Belarusian government “with the aim to regularize relations in the sphere of computer clubs and internet-café business”.

Besides, “in case a user is suspected of a computer crime”, the administration of an Internet-café is to inform relevant law-enforcing agencies immediately.

In line with the decree of the government, it is prohibited to “distribute information forbidden for distribution in public communications network” in Internet-cafes, to “make attempts of unsanctioned access to informational systems of public-service communications networks”, and to use programmes propagating cult of violence, cruelty, pornography”.

Relevant state agencies are to control the work of computer clubs and Internet-cafes which falls within their competence and their abiding by the new regulations.

A Minsk-based Internet cafe owner said that the government's requirement that web cafes should keep records of customers' online movements would not prove as much effective as the authorities hope.

"Back five years ago we were required to register not only the websites that users visit but also their passport data," the man who asked not to be named told BelaPAN. "And although the measure was temporary and had no legal force, we did keep customer logs for some time. Otherwise we would have faced problems in relations with district administrations."

He said that clerks at cyber cafes had been able to see what websites their customers browse even before the government's directive. Apart from this, he added, most web cafes are equipped with video surveillance systems and video records are kept for at least a month. Thus, law-enforcement officers can learn what website a specific customer has visited.

Internet cafes are the only place that provide at least some privacy to web users, according to the man. "Internet cafes ensure at least some anonymity unless we are made to register passport data. If you log on to the Internet using a fixed-line or a cell phone, you can be tracked down as phone numbers belong to a specific person," he stressed.