SARFT’s latest move to enforce regulations on Internet TV are indicative of its desire to strengthen management over video websites. (Photo : Wikipedia)
Licensed online content providers have recently been called by China's media and television watchdog on Wednesday to rectify their violations.
The State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film, and Television (SARFT), according to techweb.com.cn, issued a notice to seven state-owned providers, counting the selling of set-top boxes and tweeting of video website applications as violations.
SARFT especially asked the Internet TV content providers to stop the sales of set-top boxes as such devices have the ability to install applications with just a USB port.
Although it's not SARFT's first time to try to regulate Internet TVs, the watchdog's drastic move to regulate online TV might receive some backlash as people use such applications to watch movies and various TV channels, including BBC and CNN.
Providers were also asked by SARFT to stop video and radio applications, as well as those that allow mobile phones to double as TV remote controls.
"These regulations would stop TV viewers who had bought Internet TV sets or set-top boxes from downloading unauthorized applications and watch uncensored content, which could affect the sales of set-top boxes," an insider from one manufacturer told the Global Times in an interview.
For Xiang Ligang, a telecom expert and cctime.com's CEO, SARFT's latest move to enforce regulations on Internet TV are indicative of its desire to strengthen management over video websites.
"Compared to traditional TV, Internet TV and set-top boxes could provide an abundant source of movies and TV shows and allow people to watch them as they please. But this has created problems," said Xiang. Through installing apps of video websites, users have the freedom to watch whatever they please, which may include uncensored pornographic or violent content.
Copyright disputes might also be another reason.
"It would be hard to protect those who had bought the copyrights to a movie if people could watch it on other video applications or illegally download it from the Internet," Xiang added.
