The battle for market share between Tencent and Qihoo 360, China’s biggest Internet service providers, is intensifying. Qihoo 360 has accused Tencent of invading the privacy of Internet users in an effort to poach customers. In response, Tencent rallied Jinshan, Baidu, Maxthon and Keniu to issue a joint statement accusing Qihoo 360 of unfair competition.

The scramble for customers has resulted in irritating pop-up windows constantly appearing on users' screens. And both companies have tried to prevent their customers using their rival’s software. "Obviously firms need to make money," a netizen called Li commented. "But they should not damage the interests of their users in the process."

Bloggers have started to demand the government steps in to protect the privacy of Internet users and outlaw unfair and damaging competitive practices. The pop-up windows that constantly break into customers' computers are a particular bugbear.

Both companies are going to?suffer damage to their image when the case goes to court, one netizen said. Another said the battle is turning into a lose-lose situation for Tencent and Qihoo 360. The only beneficiaries will be other Internet companies.

But others reckon the market strength of Tencent and Qihoo 360 and the brand loyalty of their customers mean that any damage will be minimal and temporary.

Blogger Ma Guangyuan said the battle for customers may have a beneficial side effect. It may spur the government to take action to strengthen privacy protection on the Web.

Another netizen commented that governments should draw up clear regulations that protect privacy, adding that this would also help ensure the healthy development of China’s IT industry.

The government should step up regulation of the Internet industry, a blogger called Zhao Gang wrote. Regulators must protect the privacy of Internet users, he added.