State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, Administration of the Broadcasting of Audio-visual Programmes on the Internet and other Information Networks Measures

Promulgated: January 7 2003
Effective: February 10 2003
Applicability: The Measures apply to the setting up of all kinds of audio-visual programme sections, broadcasting audio-visual works and news, relaying or live broadcasting radio or television programmes as well as relaying or live broadcasting in the form of audio-visual programmes sports games and cultural and artistic performances through the internet and other information networks (Article 2). The Measures do not apply to broadcasting through television channels within the transmission and coverage networks of broadcasting and television, which is governed by the Administration of Broadcasting and Television Regulations (Article 2).

Main contents: Entities broadcasting audio-visual programmes through information networks to the public must hold an "Internet Audio-visual Programmes Broadcasting Permit" (Article 4). Local stations are encouraged to broadcast their programming internationally through the internet network (Article 14). The "Internet Audio-visual Programmes Broadcasting Permit" is valid for three years (Article 16). Permit holders may not provide linking services to domestic non-permit holders or foreign websites (Article 17). Only news programmes made or broadcast by domestic broadcasting stations may be broadcast to the public through information networks; approved educational institutions may apply to offer educational programmes through the internet (Article 18).
Related legislation: Administration of Broadcasting and Television Regulations, Aug 10 1997, CLP 1997 No.8 p8