China Internet video restrictions to take effect Jan 31

China has issued new regulations taking effect on Jan 31 giving state-controlled entities the sole right to operate websites that provide video or audio content, or permit user uploads or downloads of these media.

The new regulations were jointly issued by the Ministry of Information Industry and the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) and were published on the SARFT website.

Websites seeking to offer such services are obliged to seek a broadcast license, renewable every three years.

Content must be free of violence, sex, or gambling, and cannot reveal state secrets or portray morally, socially or politically harmful situations.

The rules prescribe fines for companies and senior managers violating the policy.

The authorities did not say how foreign video providers accessible in China, such as YouTube, will be regulated.