China tightening control over online content by updating lists of approved news...

China tightening control over online content by updating lists of approved news resource

China tightening control over online content by updating lists of approved news resource

12 hours ago

China’s internet watchdog updated its list of approval media sources as Beijing is increasing its control of how news is disseminated.

Detail:

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC)named a government-approved list of 1,358 sources which is nearly quadruple the size from the previous version published in 2016.

The lists include a range of state-owned media, including Xinhua News Agency and People’s Daily, as well as some media accounts, website or apps controlled by government agencies.

Caixin Media, one of the country’s well known business publications was removed from the new list, the Economic Observer was also dropped from this year’s list.

“The list has been updated to adapt to new changes and new circumstances in how news is disseminated online. Approval medias are those that follow correct political instructions, their opinions piece and value orientations are well managed,” the Cyberspace Administration of China said.

Context:

China’s internet regulator will fine news platform that republish unauthorized sources. According to regulation published by CAC in 2017, penalties can up to CNY30,000 or criminal charges.

Beijing has always kept a tight control over how news is disseminated, adapting strict rules to regulate the rise of unauthorized online media. China’s regulator recently intensified scrutiny to clear up harmful and fake content before the 20th Party Congress.

Earlier this month, the National Development and Reform Commission reiterated a ban on private enterprise in news organizations. “Private capital shall not invest in or operate news agencies,” China’s top economic planners said in a document.

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