News portals in China have begun requiring new users to register their true identities before allowing them to post comments, the New York Times reports.

The new policy has been in effect since early August. Sina, Netease, Sohu and scores of other websites now require real names and identification numbers. Site editors say it’s because the Chinese government is concerned about the influence of public opinion on the internet.

However, the system isn’t foolproof. It’s currently possible to log on to different portals using fake information.