China to further curb Web access

Jan 04,2008 00:00 by UPI
BEIJING -- China said it will restrict online video programming to those providers that are either state-owned or state-controlled.

China said it will require Internet sites that allow video programming or video uploads to obtain a government permit but limited those permits to state-sanctioned companies, the Times of London said Friday.

The new regulations go into force Jan. 31 and encourage people to report questionable Web-based material that does not "abide by the moral code of socialism."

One Chinese Web manager said smaller providers may escape scrutiny and larger companies may partner with state-sanctioned sites.

"This is China," he said "the companies always seem to find a way to get around new regulations."