China's SAPPRFT Tightens Control on Interactive Video Broadcasting
SAPPRFT, 9/09/16
China's State Administration of Press and Publication, Radio, Film, and Television (SAPPRFT) has elaborated on recent requirements published in August by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), effectively requiring interactive video broadcasters and platforms to apply for an Information Network Broadcasting License before being allowed to engage in live broadcasting.
Organizations and individuals that do not have an Information Network Broadcasting License are prohibited from operating live broadcast channels and may not conduct individual live show broadcasts or audiovisual programs such as news, variety shows, sports, interviews, and commentary programs. Live broadcast events must also be pre-registered with provincial and higher-level government agencies for broadcast management, and organizations and individuals may not operate online businesses under a name including broadcasting-related terms such as "TV station," "broadcast station," "radio station," or "TV" without official approval.
The SAPPRFT announcement also put forward requirements for live broadcast program content, bullet-screen comments, and live broadcast hosts, performers, and subjects matter, stating that live broadcast programs may not contain any content that is prohibited under other national laws and regulations.
Editor's Note: To read the requirements published by CAC on August 17, please see "China Announces New Requirements for Online News and Information Websites" MD 8/17/16 issue.
Keywords: monitoring Internet license SAPPRFT interactive video Cyberspace Administration of China regulation online information service