China: Games and music targeted by censorship authorities
In the West, the slogan is "Anything Goes". Meanwhile, China is expanding its censorship measures on the internet. The authorities want to subject the online music industry and the internet gaming scene to stricter controls in future. All imported products are to be submitted to the relevant control bodies for inspection.
In the West, the slogan is "Anything Goes". Meanwhile, China is expanding its censorship measures on the internet. The authorities want to subject the online music industry and the internet gaming scene to stricter controls in future. All imported products are to be submitted to the relevant control bodies for inspection.
Foreign products may only be sold after official approval. In this way, the authorities want to protect domestic companies from competition and prevent the distribution of politically sensitive, violent and sexual content, reports Pressetext.at. According to the Chinese Ministry of Culture, the aim is to promote a civilized and healthy Internet. The focus is on the protection of minors: Video games made it easier for children to access violent and pornographic content and encouraged them to waste their time uselessly instead of doing homework, according to the authorities.
The latest control measures are to apply to websites and mobile phone providers that distribute music via the internet. Distributors of Chinese music must register, but do not have to submit their content for review. In future, companies that distribute online games will have to apply for permission for each foreign title and submit monthly reports proving that no prohibited content has been included in the offer. The country currently has around 23 million online gamers. For this year, the turnover generated from this is estimated at 850 million dollars.
Foreign products may only be sold after official approval. In this way, the authorities want to protect domestic companies from competition and prevent the distribution of politically sensitive, violent and sexual content, reports Pressetext.at. According to the Chinese Ministry of Culture, the aim is to promote a civilized and healthy Internet. The focus is on the protection of minors: Video games made it easier for children to access violent and pornographic content and encouraged them to waste their time uselessly instead of doing homework, according to the authorities.
The latest control measures are to apply to websites and mobile phone providers that distribute music via the internet. Distributors of Chinese music must register, but do not have to submit their content for review. In future, companies that distribute online games will have to apply for permission for each foreign title and submit monthly reports proving that no prohibited content has been included in the offer. The country currently has around 23 million online gamers. For this year, the turnover generated from this is estimated at 850 million dollars.
