YouTube ban in China
January 7, 2008
In a move aimed at YouTube and other smaller rivals, the Chinese authorities announced that all video-sharing websites must have official government approval before they can be accessed by Chinese surfers. New rules governing online content announced by the state administration of radio, film and television also stipulate that from the end of January only state-owned or controlled companies would be given licences to upload video in China.
“Those who provide Internet video services should insist on serving the people … and abide by the moral code of socialism,” say the new guidelines. Licensed companies would be responsible for upholding national security, maintaining a “healthy online environment” and would be required to ban any videos that damage the country’s reputation.