China demands ID from all buyers of mobile phone numbers

China began requiring identification from anyone buying a new mobile phone number today in what it says is a bid to stamp out junk messages. But critics say the move gives the government a new tool for monitoring its citizens. The rules apply to everyone, including foreigners visiting the country for a short stay. The regulation is the latest campaign by the government to curb spam, pornographic messages and fraud on cellular phones. The ID requirement is raising new privacy concerns and is likely to upset some customers unwilling to give out personal information for fear it will be.