China censors pre-screen web videos

China’s broadcasting and internet regulators have told internet video providers they must pre-screen all programmes before making them available, tightening state censorship of increasingly popular online shows.

The new rule was issued jointly by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) and the State Internet Information Office.

SARFT said this week in a statement on its website that the rule is in response to the rapid growth in online video programmes, some of which it said contain vulgar content, excessive violence or pornography.

It said the rule would protect younger people and promote high-quality online programmes.

China has a long-standing practice of censoring traditional television programmes and films, and it bans access to several popular foreign websites, including the video-sharing site YouTube.

The government relies on domestic web service providers to scrub the internet of what Beijing considers to be offensive content.

The government statement said online video providers should bear responsibility for web programmes and must pre-screen content before it is posted, although it did not offer specific standards or mention penalties.

SARFT said government regulators will ensure that internet video providers implement the rule.