Wen backs tighter Net regulations
Premier Wen Jiabao gave his backing to new rules on the protection of communication rights on the internet at a State Council meeting yesterday, as the government steps up efforts to regulate the mainland's disorderly internet information services market.
The new regulations were 'principally passed' at the State Council meeting, Xinhua reported, adding they would be implemented after the final revision of a draft which has been posted on the National Copyright Administration website since October.
The draft regulations say: 'Anyone who uploads other persons' works, performances, or sound and video recordings to a network server for public access, reproduction or use in other means shall obtain authorisation from, and pay remuneration to, the right owners, except where otherwise provided for in laws or regulations.'
Yang Junzuo, secretary of the Internet Society of China's industry self-discipline committee, said the regulation would help the industry better protect the intellectual property rights of copyright owners, while also considering the legal and business rights of internet service and content providers, and the rights of information users.
'Copyright owners' financial and copyright interests will be protected and they will be encouraged to create a greater variety of works, which will enhance the internet users' information and entertainment experience.' However, he said it would take three to five years to establish a sound model and users would need some time to get used to being charged for services.
