Citing national security concerns, the Chinese government says it will clamp down on "illegal" mapping Web sites and other online geographical information, reports Agence France-Presse.

It says China will close most of the 10,000 online map Web sites available in the country because the maps have not been approved by the government. Their errors, according to Chinadaily.com, include labeling Taiwan as a country, incorrect borders or omitting islands in the South China Sea.

On the Google Earth Blog, Frank Taylor notes China has long been concerned about satellite photos of military installations. He speculates that Google Earth could create a version for Chinese users that the government would approve, but hopes the company won't impose it on the rest of the world.