RSSChina backtracks a bit on online video sites
By Ed Oswald | Published February 5, 2008, 4:55 PM
China's government backpedaled slightly from its earlier policy concerning video sites, now saying that existing sites can continue to operate.
China's initial law seemed to suggest that it was going to block any foreign Internet video site that the government didn't control, alarming free speech supporters. Now it seems as if the government is slightly backing down.
Banned material according to the law consists of: content with national secrets, content that sullies the reputation of the country, socially disruptive material, and pornography. "Those who provide Internet video services should insist on serving the people" and socialist principles, the Associated Press reported the new policy as stating.
The new policies which took effect at the end of last month still apply to new sites, meaning that American companies looking to enter the Chinese Internet video market will still be effectively shut out.
What this means is any new site that pops up will essentially be state-owned, and thus cleansed of "subversive" material before it appears online. It is still not known how this will affect the uploading of amateur videos, a staple of these sites worldwide.
"Companies that began operation legally before the regulation was issued and have not violated laws or regulations can be licensed and continue operating," a statement from the Ministry of Information reads.
Some had expected before Tuesday's announcement that foreign sites could begin to ally themselves with state-owned media in an attempt to get around the new rules. But that now appears unnecessary.
Rapid growth in the sector in China appears to have given the Communist government cold feet. With hundreds of video sites now in operation in China, and more appearing, it would have become increasingly difficult for the country to control content, possibly allowing some material it deems objectionable to be viewed by Chinese Internet surfers.
Recent Coverage on This Topic:
- China censoring foreign video sharing sites - Jan 3, 2008
- Western Search Engines Redirected in China - Oct 18, 2007
- Aussie Parliament Wants To Tighten Net Censorship - Sep 21, 2007
- Zimbabwe Legislation May Filter Internet - Jun 13, 2007
- Group: Net Censorship Becoming a Problem - Jun 7, 2007
It is interesting to listen to some confuse the Chinese government, which no longer adheres to a communist economic model (this may come as news to some holier than thou geniuses here), with the Chinese people - who are the biggest victims of their dictatorial policies combined with widespread provincial corruption.
But it is also enlightening that it is seem as proper that we must "get China to do anything" even if it entails coercion.
And pulling out would punish who? Certainly not the athletes who become but a pawn in the hands of geniuses who propose such an idea. Oh no, as they are so well intentioned and erudite as they worry about their selfish interests in the name of being 'oh so caring'.
Tell me who the problem is under that POV?
And I am sure that simply pulling out would most definitely result in China gladly entering into a more meaningful dialogue and making even greater changes at a pace that would be more acceptable to us!
Gee, maybe they will be so intimidated that they will simply disband the government and let us determine their policies as we have done such a great job everywhere else...
Yeah...right.
The world is such a simple place to simpletons.
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|If, instead of slinging ignorant insults, you paid attention to current events, you would see that China cares more about the world's perception of it than almost anything else. The Chinese government considers the 2008 Olympics to be its "coming out party", where it supposedly sheds its image of a backward country and joins the world stage as one of the major players. Public pressure on the Chinese government leading up to the Olympics has already caused China to change course in Darfur. Further pressure could easily lead to other positive changes.
It is interesting to listen to some confuse the Chinese government, which no longer adheres to a communist economic model (this may come as news to some holier than thou geniuses here)
Funny how someone who clearly doesn't understand what Communism is, nor the history of Chinese Communism, can throw around insults. China has never followed a "communist economic model", nor has any other country. There has never been a true Communist economy, as defined by Marx. Each country has adapted (and mangled) Communism to fit its own needs.
Perhaps, instead of using personal insults in your [incorrect] arguments, you could spend quality time learning some manners.
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|Really?
Thanks for finally figuring it out.
But I guess that is why you advocate such a complete insult to them "the week before", that will result NOT in diplomatic pressure, but in the total polarization of diplomatic relations that would result in a greater intransigence than ever, and incentivize their retaliation towards the US over in other theaters.
And ironically, they hold a large trump card in the form of holding the majority of the US' debt.
Yup, you certainly understand diplomacy. NOT!
But then YOU were the one advocating "sticking it to the Commies", weren't you? Not bad for someone who claims that they aren't and then criticizes those who point it out.
But then you think it instructive to incompletely point out that Communism was an end point to be reached, and not the means to that end? You mean that the so called countries who subscribed to the Communist ideals failed to move beyond dictatorial socialism? You mean they still had a 'ruling elite' in their perfectly achieved classless society!? Who would of figured? Wow! What insight!
DUH!
Swooft. Very swooft.
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|Everyone should drop out of the Olympics the week before it starts, just to stick it to the Commies, in protest of their horrible environmental and censorship policies. The only way to get China to do anything is to shame them on a global stage.
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