Net surfers are using new illegal software to steal other users' ID numbers to use them to register with restricted Web sites in a new blow to the information industry's efforts to tighten security.

Friday's Daily Sunshine reported that the software, known as "ID Number Generator," can provide over 500 valid ID numbers to a user after he types certain information - including date of birth and gender - into his computer. The "Generator" can be easily downloaded free of charge from many Web sites.

It can help people, especially the underage, to access restricted computer games, or other Web sites that require real-name registration and is becoming increasingly popular.

The software can not only generate first-generation and second-generation ID numbers of mainlanders, but also ID numbers of Hong Kongers, Taiwanese and South Koreans.

Wu Xiaorong, a lawyer with the Shenzhen Guanghe Law Firm, said using the stolen ID numbers could be illegal. According to the law, fabricating ID cards can result in a fine of up to 1,000 yuan (US$125) and 10 days in custody.

Yet it is hard to trace the users of the stolen ID numbers, or the developers of the "Generator," without knowing their ID numbers or other personal information.

The new technology is a heavy blow to the Ministry of Information, which has been trying to promote obligatory real-name registration online.

Pushed by the government, the Shenzhen-based instant message provider Tencent had tried to make real-name registration obligatory for adults in 2005. The company dropped the plan due to strong objection from netizens.

Editor: Yan