Tighter Regulations on the Web

China has decided to restrict the broadcasting of Internet videos — including those posted on video-sharing Web sites — to sites run by state-controlled companies and require providers to report questionable content to the government.

It wasn't immediately clear how the new rules would affect YouTube and other providers of Internet video that host Web sites available in China but are based in other countries [seems pretty clear to me - ed].

The new regulations, which take effect Jan. 31, were approved by both the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television and the Ministry of Information Industry and were described on their Web sites Thursday. Under the new policy, Web sites that provide video programming or allow users to upload video must obtain government permits and applicants must be either state-owned or state-controlled companies. The majority of Internet video providers in China are private, according to an explanation of the regulations posted on Chinafilm.com, which is run by the state-run China Film Group.

The policy will ban providers from broadcasting video that involves national secrets, hurts the reputation of China, disrupts social stability or promotes pornography. Providers will be required to delete and report such content.

The catch all is "hurts the reputation of China". Everything will be seen to victimize China. Most disconcerting is the fact that this country has tremendous boasting leverage. Its turn around as a nation is almost unprecedented. Its people are bright and capable. The country is full of charm and varied landscapes. It is dynamic and vibrant and full of energy and full of change; and still it has all this wonderful history. Inspite of all this, the Chinese government takes offense at every opportunity. GET OVER IT!!