A CLAMPDOWN on Internet cafes aims to prevent users from accessing pornographic sites and thwart the use of pirated CDs, officials said yesterday.

"Most Internet cafe owners are starting to change their businesses because people now have Internet access at home. Besides, many people have laptops and go to coffee shops to connect to the Internet, so they don't use these cafes anymore."

Authorities are now drafting a ministerial decree stating rules and regulations that Internet cafes must adhere to, said Information Ministry publications and Press director Jamal Dawood.

The decree will also ban cafes from allowing users to access the Internet in private rooms. However, partitioning between each computer stations will still be allowed.

Read more here (Gulf daily news)