(Yicai Global) Jan. 23 -- Surfilter Network Technology Co. will build a local- and national-level research center in China's tech hub Shenzhen to monitor online data and prevent dissemination of harmful information.

The Guangdong-based firm has received approval from the National Development and Reform Commission, China's top economic planner and price setter, to build the center, the internet security company said yesterday.

The research center will study basic theories and key technologies for cyberspace governance to crack down on the spreading of illegal or damaging information and prevent online attacks and other threats, the statement said.

China is particularly protective of its online environment. As well as a recent crackdown on websites breaching intellectual property rights, the country does not allow direct access to many leading sites and social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter and Google, which appears to be making a comeback in the country.

Surfilter did not furnish details on who the project's investors are, how much backers will contribute or how much income the center will generate.

Setting up the center will help the company engage in developing nationwide cyberspace safety and improve its own innovative capabilities to improve core competitiveness, it said.