What you need to know
The Chinese Ministry of Culture won’t censor online music, but will offer guidance for the companies regarding personnel training on self-examination. They will also perform random inspections on the implementation of the self-examination process. The new regulation also requires companies to establish blacklists to strengthen market inspection and a credible management system.
The News Lens international edition is sponsored by Tutor A B C
On November 9, Chinese authorities announced that starting from January 1, 2016, online music companies are required to self-examine the content of their music products before publication according to a new regulation issued by the Chinese Ministry of Culture. In addition, the companies should also establish systems, such as a blacklist, to assist with the examination.
CNS reports, the Chinese Ministry of Culture recently issued regulations regarding further enforcement and improvement of the management of online music content, which will require companies to self-examine and take responsibility of online music content. The cultural administrative authorities will supervise the new management system.
Wenweipo reports, the online music companies must strictly carry out examination of the content. The companies can only start operating after having established a self-examination process and responsibility system in firm accordance with the standards issued by the Ministry of Culture.
Initium Media reports, the Chinese Ministry of Culture won’t censor online music, but will offer guidance for the companies regarding personnel training on self-examination. They will also perform random inspections on the implementation of the self-examination process. The new regulation also requires companies to establish blacklists to strengthen market inspection and a credible management system.
BBC reports, China’s three largest Internet companies, Alibaba, Tencent and Baidu, all offer online music service, but none of them have commented on this new regulation. Currently, China’s online music companies mostly hire a large number of employees to remove sensitive content with different applications and software in order to implement self-examination.
Despite the limitations, professionals in the music industry say that China is becoming an increasingly important market, especially online music, which is getting more popular. They also believe the growing middle class in China will be willing to pay for high-quality services.
Translated by Vic Chiang
Edited by Olivia Yang
Sources:
