Dennis the 'Bloody Peasant'
11th July 2012, 15:29
China's websites must pre-screen all videos under new censorship rules from its broadcasting regulator.
The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) revealed the move in a published series of answers to reporters' questions.
It said that site administrators would be expected to self-censor material to remove "violence, pornography and some swearing".
It said state officials would offer guidance, but did not give specifics.
The statement was published earlier this week but gained attention after tech news site The Register reported the move.
It suggested that the watchdog's decision to be ambiguous about exactly what qualified as being "vulgar" gave it greater room to manoeuvre in how it applied the law.
Video checks
SARFT said that the new regulations were a response to the rapid growth in online programmes. It said "netizens" had urged it to take action to protect young people's mental health, adding that the move should promote high-quality content.
Youku, the country's most visited online video site said it should not be affected since it already employed hundreds of video-checkers.
"Nothing with vulgar or violent materials will pass," said a spokeswoman.
"If it is anti-party and anti-society, it definitely will not pass. No website will allow such content."
(More at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-18798060 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-18798060))
The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) revealed the move in a published series of answers to reporters' questions.
It said that site administrators would be expected to self-censor material to remove "violence, pornography and some swearing".
It said state officials would offer guidance, but did not give specifics.
The statement was published earlier this week but gained attention after tech news site The Register reported the move.
It suggested that the watchdog's decision to be ambiguous about exactly what qualified as being "vulgar" gave it greater room to manoeuvre in how it applied the law.
Video checks
SARFT said that the new regulations were a response to the rapid growth in online programmes. It said "netizens" had urged it to take action to protect young people's mental health, adding that the move should promote high-quality content.
Youku, the country's most visited online video site said it should not be affected since it already employed hundreds of video-checkers.
"Nothing with vulgar or violent materials will pass," said a spokeswoman.
"If it is anti-party and anti-society, it definitely will not pass. No website will allow such content."
(More at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-18798060 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-18798060))