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China has pledged to restrict Internet phone services — a move that could affect thousands of businesses and individuals making cheap calls via web-based communications companies such as Skype.”We are carrying out with relevant authorities a campaign to crack down on illegal Voice over Internet Protocol phone services”,
the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said in a circular posted online earlier this month.In the brief notice, which did not offer details on the crackdown or a timetable for shutting down ‘illegal’ services, the ministry listed a telephone hotline for citizens to report any violations.The ministry declined to comment immediately when asked for clarification of the policy by AFP on Thursday.