Regulations on online video mulled
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-08-16 06:54
China is to issue new regulations against websites which broadcast short
films without state permission, according to the State Administration of Radio,
Film and Television (SARFT).
The administration has listed the websites of Sina, Sohu and Netease as
authorized providers of online video programs.
But others face an uncertain fate as the administration will inspect the
online video content they release. SARFT has emphasized strict measures will be
enforced to prevent any malpractice.
The new regulations will be unveiled in late August or September, despite a
rising popularity in online short films. The shorts, often parodies of classic
movies or events that occur in everyday life, have spread quickly on the
Internet, provoking controversies on morality and intellectual property right
protection.
A 10-minute video using clips from the 1974 patriotic film about the Chinese
revolution "Sparkling Red Star" is now under the spotlight. Pan Dongzi, a heroic
boy in the original movie, has been converted to a popstar wannabe who competes
in a CCTV (China Central Television) singing contest.
It has incurred severe criticism. Some commentators believe satire should not
go too far and the distortion of heroes and China's revolutionary history is
immoral and unacceptable.
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