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China looks to ban foreign TV shows at prime time and restrict online streaming

A draft law demands both TV stations and online platforms to limit foreign content to a maximum 30 percent of total screen time

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Although shows like Game of Thrones and Westworld are available on Tencent, episodes are usually about 10 minutes shorter than the original, with scenes of violence and nudity edited out. (Picture: Tencent)
This article originally appeared on ABACUS
Chinese internet users are furious after the government revealed a draft law that could restrict foreign video content to just 30% of total screen time -- both on TV and online.
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The law would potentially ban foreign TV programs in evening prime time, defined as 7-10 p.m.

The new regulation also focuses on foreign news programs, stressing that no organizations or individuals are allowed to air foreign current affairs shows.

The draft will be available for public consultation for a period of 30 days starting from Thursday.

China’s netizens are not taking the news too well. Angry posts flooded Weibo on Thursday after the news went viral online. But many netizens’ comments were quickly censored from social media just hours after posting.

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One worked-up Weibo comment -- which was quickly censored -- said “We support the shutdown of the internet. Every citizen should be living the Chinese Dream.”
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