China wants to pre-screen online videos for ‘vulgarity’

China wants online video services in the country to pre-screen all videos for “vulgarity” and violence. According to the Chinese government, the new rule should protect young people and ‘promote the quality of online programs’.

Two Chinese government bodies have proposed a new rule to reduce ‘vulgar content’ on the internet. The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television and the State Internet Information Office of the Chinese government target ‘vulgar content’ on the internet counter† That writes the Associated Press. Under the new rule, all video services must pre-screen all content to prevent unwanted publications. The rule is said to be prompted by the rapid growth of online video offerings and is said to protect young people from ‘vulgar content, extreme violence or porn’.

According to an employee of youku, the most popular video website in China, little will change with the new measure. Youku already has hundreds of ‘pre-scanners’ in service that pre-scan all uploaded content. “Vulgar and violent videos are already not getting through,” said the video service employee. She adds: “If something is against the party and society, it certainly won’t get through. There is no website that would allow such content.”

Earlier this month, China signed a new UN resolution stating that human rights, including freedom of expression, must also be protected online. Then said However, the Chinese envoy already said that the possibility should remain open to protect internet users and young people in particular from ‘harmful websites’.