China to Regulate Online Video Broadcasts
August 17, 2006
China is to regulate video content uploaded and downloaded on the internet. The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television is responding to criticism of a recent surge in satirical clips being posted online.
Starting in September, only SARFT licensed websites such as Sohu.com, Sina.com and Netease.com will be allowed to show short films.
Currently, China’s largest and most popular online video broadcaster, Toodou.com, is not licensed, but says it already supervises audio and video clips and deletes those found to be against the law.
The SARFT has not said whether the regulations will affect foreign-based video websites such as US based YouTube.