China Fears Online Video
January 6, 2008 by Mike Abundo
Filed under Computers
Seems China’s new online video regulations are even harsher than first anticipated.
* China’s State Administration of Radio, Film and Television will regulate and monitor the web video industry.
* Only state-owned or state-controlled companies can stream or broadcast videos online. Licensed web video companies must also have a “comprehensive program censoring system.” Unlicensed companies are not allowed to let users upload audio or video.
* The following content is forbidden: “That which damages China’s unity and sovereignty; harms ethnic solidarity; promotes superstition; portrays violence, pornography, gambling, or terrorism; violates privacy; damages China’s culture or traditions; or violates existing laws of China.”
* The new regulations take effect on Jan. 31.
Say goodbye to “unlicensed” online video in China. How the Chinese government plans to censor video hosted outside China is anyone’s guess (more blocking, probably). Just to remind everyone why they fear online video, here’s some “unlicensed” footage of the Tiananmen Square massacre.
