Censorship-based restrictions that are already in place for China’s newspapers are expanding to cover online news sources. The government has announced online news sites will be required to hire government-approved editorial staff.
This requirement applies to all blogs, websites, and apps in the news space. National or local government authorities must have some control over the staff. Part of that control comes from requiring that staff receive training and accreditation from the state.
China is putting these regulations into effect on June 1. The regulations also say news sites should “promote the formation of a positive, healthy, upright and virtuous internet culture, and protect the national and public interest.”
