China Tightens Grip over Online Music
China has ordered distributors to submit all imported products for approval by official censors.
The tightening is two-pronged:
1. shield Chinese companies from competition – Are the Chinese finally getting the idea about property rights?
2. suppress material that is politically sensitive, violent or sexually graphic
The rules will apply to web sites and mobile phone companies.
The new law also prohibits foreign funded music distribution.
Online game distributors need approval to release imported titles as well.
Presently there are abou 23 million online game players in China….up almost 10 million in just 3 years.
Revenues approach $850 million.
Television, magazines and cinema have similar restrictions – Beijing has a moratorium on foreign investment in Chinese films and television production facilities.
Is China getting the idea of property rights finally?
Or is it just more censorship?
What do you think?
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