Now Beijing goes after online vids
Readers may recall that late last year the Chinese government moved against text-messaging by mobile phones.
Now the super-nanny state is blocking Internet videos. Actually, to be fair they are actually restricting who may post videos. The only ones allowed to post videos are state-controlled companies.
Now, if the guys and gals in Beijing wanted to drum up support for their action, they could have said the ban was a part of a major anti-piracy move. But instead they focussed on the usual "state security" and "upholding the morality of socialism
And why should the SPJ be concerned?
Right off the top, this is a freedom of expression issue.
But let's make it more parochial...
Nothing in the statement deals with the issue of independent journalists who might post their stories on the Internet. From the way the directive reads, any posting by from any source other than an authorized state-run entitity is against the law.
Farewell CNN's I-journalists. So long citizen journalists.
And this is part of the opening Beijing promised for the 2008 Olympics?
Below are the highlights of the AP story as it appeared at CNN.com and the link to the story.
Dan
China limits Internet video to state-controlled companies
- China to restrict videos online, allowing only state-controlled sites to post any
- Internet providers will be required to delete and report a variety of content
- Ban on video involving national secrets, pornography, or harming social stability
- The new regulations will take effect on January 31
HONG KONG, China (AP) -- China has moved to restrict videos online, allowing only state-controlled sites to post any -- including those shared by users -- and requiring Internet providers to delete and report a variety of content.
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/01/03/china.internet.video.ap/index.html?eref=rss_latest