New | China’s censors take aim at popular internet TV operators that offer foreign shows
Seven companies told 'unauthorised' content will be taken down in seven days and they could see licence revoked if breach is found
Internet TV and set-top-box operators are now the next target of China’s media watchdog, which has requested the companies to follow strict orders on censoring their content – including foreign television shows.
The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (Sarft), warned seven internet-TV providers such as Central Television, Zhejiang TV station, BestTV and Wasu Online that their licences would be revoked if they breach regulations, The Beijing News reported.
Sarft has made a special request to the seven providers to closely examine the foreign movies, micro-movies (very short films) and TV series they offer.
Shows that fail to get authorisation will be removed from the sites within seven days, the newspaper reported.
With just a Wifi connection and set-top-box, viewers can watch shows online for free on internet TV sites, which offer a wider range of content than most cable television channels. It has gained popularity especially among the younger generation.
Some of the most popular foreign shows aired on numerous internet portals in China include the Vampire Diaries, Gossip Girl, Sherlock and The Big Bang Theory.