SAPPRFT and MIIT Release Rules On Online Publishing Services
On February 6, the State Administration of Press Publication Radio Film and Television (SAPPRFT)and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released Rules For Online Publishing Services Management, which will go into effect March 10.
The rules aim to strengthen supervision of online publishing services and publications, codifying restrictions on foreign participation, and clarifying responsibilities and obligations for online publishing service providers.
Key provisions include:
- definition of online publications: text, pictures, maps, games, animation, audio and video books and self-developed digital work in the area of literature, art and science.
- An Online Publishing Service Catalog will be drafted;
- all online publishing service providers must obtain an "online publishing service license", post it on the website homepage; third-party service providers are responsible for checking credentials;
- server and storage equipment must be located within China;
- legal person must be Chinese national;
- foreign participation, including foreign ownership and joint-ventures, are prohibited;
- online games must receive advance approval from SAPPRFT
SAPPRFT also released for public comment two related rules: the Administration of Electronic Publication and Publishing and The Measures for the Administration of Duplication with a comment deadline of March 10.
USITO has shared with members the original draft and the drafting explanation document and welcomes member feedback.
