China wants to censor online video content

State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) website.

BEIJING— China’s broadcasting and Internet regulators have told Internet video providers to prescreen all online programs such as drama series and mini-movies before making them available online.

The new rule was issued jointly by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) and the State Internet Information Office.

A statement on SARFT’s website says the rule is in response to the rapid growth in online video programs, some of which it says contain vulgar content, excessive violence or pornography. It says the rule will protect younger people and promote high-quality online programs.

The statement seen Wednesday says online video providers must prescreen content before it is posted, though it does not offer specific standards.

China has a long-standing practice of censoring traditional television programs and films.