SARFT to Shut Down Unlicensed Online Video Sites
SARFT, 9/21/09
On September 15, the State Administration of Radio Film and Television (SARFT) issued a "Notification Regarding Management of Internet Audiovisual Programming Service Licenses". The Notification stipulates that beginning March 1, 2010, broadcasting authorities at all levels will be required to abide by the "Administrative Provisions on Internet Audio-Visual Program Service" by investigating the implementation of online audiovisual licensing systems in their jurisdictions, and punishing all companies found to be broadcasting audiovisual content without a license (including companies whose license applications are still being processed) in accordance with the regulations. In cases where companies are in severe violation of the rules and have been broadcasting for more than three months without a license, the companies are to be investigated and shut down in accordance with the "Notification on Establishing a Domestic Blacklist Management System for Illicit Internet Sites" previously issued by twelve government agencies including SARFT and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
Websites and individuals who have not secured licenses may not engage in Internet audiovisual programming services. Websites already offering audiovisual programming services whose applications for a license are currently under review may apply to SARFT for a permit through provincial-level broadcasting authorities. SARFT will accept applications under amnesty until December 20, 2009.
Keywords: online video government policy online broadcasting Online Audio-Visual Broadcasting License law content Internet license programming regulation MIIT SARFT
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