China Hackers Seek to Rally Peers Against Cybertheft

Some of China's most prominent hackers plan to issue a call for their peers in the country to steer clear of commercial cybercrime, a move aimed at cutting down on Chinese cyberattacks that experts say often target foreign Internet users and companies.

While it's unclear how effective such an appeal will be, it is a sign that some with roots in China's hacking culture are concerned that growth in the underground cybertheft industry could draw both louder foreign complaints and tighter domestic restrictions, which could restrict their freedom of action and affect the legitimate network-security sector as well. The appeal is contained in a document called the "Chinese Hackers' Self-Discipline Convention," to be presented this coming week ahead of a hackers' conference in Shanghai and voted upon at the event later this month, two of its organizers said in interviews. The appeal will be aimed at commercial hacking, such as attempts to break into online accounts and steal money from Internet users and businesses, its organizers say.