Chinese bloggers will not have to register their real names online, after the government backed down over plans to enforce the proposals.

With more and more stories surfacing regularly about web censorship, China's estimated 20 million bloggers will be pleased with the news that they will not be compelled to register their real names.

The Internet Society of China (ISC) revealed on its website that it wanted bloggers to be self-disciplined and urged them to "consciously enhance their sense of responsibility and social awareness of public morality".

One of the country's most famous bloggers, Ping Ke, told the BBC: "They are not forcing, but suggesting and encouraging people to do things now."

Chinese bloggers protested at the proposals, which were viewed as methods by which the government could control information.

Better services are being promised to those bloggers who opt to register their real names and personal details.

Jeremy Goldkorn, founder of the website Danw