The Chinese government has announced it is to restrict the broadcasting of internet videos to those run by state-controlled companies.According to the new rules, which encompass video-sharing sites, politically sensitive material will not be tolerated.
In a notice, the government stated: "Those who provide internet audio and video services should insist on serving the people, serve socialism ... and abide by the moral code of socialism.
"These regulations have been formulated to safeguard the interests of the nation and the public and to safeguard ... the healthy and orderly development of audio-visual services."
All content available on the internet in China must be free of violence, sex and gambling, and cannot reveal state secrets or show any socially, morally or politically harmful situations, it added.
It is not yet clear how the rules will impact upon providers of internet video content that host websites which are available in China but based in other countries, such as YouTube.
Set to come into force on January 31st, the new regulations have been approved by both the state administration of radio, film and television and the ministry of information and industry.
Permits obtained by organisations enabling them to broadcast material are subject to renewal every three years and operators who commit violations of the code may be banned from providing internet video for up to five years.
The Chinese government is renowned for its strict control over online content. In 2006, for example, search engine provider Google was forced to provide a censored version of its services in the country in order to persuade the authorities in Beijing to remove a block on the company.
