Norms for the Administration of Online Short Video Platforms and Detailed Implementation Rules for Online Short Video Content Review Standards

"Regulation on Administration of Online Short Video Platforms"

"Detailed Rules for Review of Online Short Video Content"

Regulation on Administration of Online Short Video Platforms

The following norms shall be obeyed when opening online platforms for short videos

I. Overall Regulation

1. Online platforms carrying out short video services shall possess a "Permit for Transmission of Audiovisual Programming on Information Networks" (AVSP) and other relevant credentials provided for by laws and regulations, and carry out operations in strict accordance with the scope of operations provided for in the Permit.

2. Online short video platforms shall actively lead mainstream news media and Party, government, and military organ groups and other bodies to establish accounts, increasing the supply of positive and quality short video content.

3. Online short video platforms shall establish a system of editorial responsibility for content management.

4. online short video platforms are to implement a system of reviewing program content prior to broadcast. All short videos broadcast on the platform should only be broadcasted after content review, including the program title, summary, Danmaku, comments and other such content.

5. Based on the scale of operations, online platforms carrying out short video services shall concurrently establish a review team with high political calibre and operational ability. Review personnel shall be trained by departments for the administration of radio and television at the provincial level or above, and the number of reviewers shall correspond to the number of videos uploaded and broadcast. In principle, the number of review personnel shall be one for every one thousand videos added for new broadcast each day.

6. A system of pursuing responsibility shall be implemented for those who do not comply with this regulation.

II. Management and Regulation of Uploading (Cooperating) Accounts

1. online short video platforms shall implement a real-name verification management system for entities registering accounts that upload programs. For entity's registration of accounts that upload programs (Hereinafter PGC) [Professionally Generated Content], information such as the organization code certificate shall be verified; for the individuals' registration of accounts that upload programs (Hereinafter UGC)[User Generated Content], personal identification information such as ID cards shall be verified.

2. online short video platforms shall sign a cooperation agreement reflecting the requirements of these Regulations with entities and individuals that register accounts on the platform before they can access upload functions.

3. For PGC organizations that possess a "Permit for Transmission of Audiovisual Programming on Information Networks", the platform shall oversee whether the programming they upload are within the permit's scope of operations. Where programs exceed the scope of the permit, cooperation with them shall be stopped. Programs uploaded by PGC organizations that do not yet possess a "Permit for Transmission of Audiovisual Programming on Information Networks" may only be used as program material for the short video platform after being provided to the platform for review, and used as authorized.

4. Online short video platforms shall establish an "Archive of Uploading Accounts that have Violated Laws or Regulations." The platform shall include in the "Archive of Uploading Accounts that have Violated Laws or Regulations" information such as on the identity, avatar, and account name of UGC accounts that upload programs containing content that violates laws or regulations three or more times in one week, as well UGC accounts that upload programs with major illegal content.

5. Each online short video platform is to carry out information sharing mechanisms for their "Archive of Uploading Accounts that have Violated Laws or Regulations" . Online short video platforms must not open upload accounts for persons in the "Archive of Uploading Accounts that have Violated Laws or Regulations" for a set period of time.

6. Based on the severity of the illegal program uploading, the ban on broadcasting by persons entered in the "Archive of Uploading Accounts that have Violated Laws or Regulations" is to be divided into three levels: 1 year, 3 years, or perpetual.

III. Content Management Regulation

1. In content page setup, online short video platforms shall focus around carrying forward the socialist core values, strengthening positive agenda setting, and strengthening the establishment and reserves of positive energy content.

2. Online short video platforms shall perform on copyright protection responsibilities, and must splice or modify movies, television shows, online movies, online shows, or other types of broadcast television and radio works and clips without authorization; must not distribute UGC uploaded movies, television shows, online movies, online shows, or other types of broadcast television and radio works and clips; and must not forward movies, television shows, online movies, online shows, or other types of broadcast television and radio works and clips that are uploaded by PGC establishment where they have not received a proof or copyright from the PGC establishment.

3. online short video platforms shall comply with provisions of the state news program administration, and must not disseminate UGC uploaded short programs on current events or society news; and must not disseminate current events or society news short programs where it has not been verified whether the or not the program has credentials to air breaking news.

4. online short video platforms must not disseminate movies, television shows, clips from online video shows, that have not approved for showing by the state, as well as radio and television shows or clips from online programs that have been expressly prohibitted.

5. online short video platforms's review of program content shall be conducted in accordance with the standards formulated by the State Administration of Radio and Television and the China Association of Internet Audiovisual Program Services.

IV. Technical Management Regulations

1. Online short video platforms shall reasonably set up smart delivery systems, prioritizing recommending positive energy content.

2. online short video platforms shall employ technological measures such as using portrait and facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, etc. to ensure the implementation of real-name systems.

3. Online short video platforms shall establish mechanisms for the protection of minors, employing technological measures to limit minors' time online and establish parental oversight mechanisms for minors, to effectively prevent minors from becoming obsessed with short videos.

Based on the basic standards for review of online short video content, short video programs broadcast online, as well as their titles, names, comments, Danmaku, emojis, and language, performance, subtitles, and backgrounds, must not have the following specific content appear (commonly seen problems):

(1) Content Attacking the National Political System or Legal System;

(2) Content Dividing the Nation;

(3) Content Harming the Nation's Image;

(4) Content Harming the Image of Revolutionary Leaders or Heroes and Martyrs

(5) Content Disclosing State Secrets

(6) Content Undermining Social Stability

(7) Content Harmful to Ethnic and Territorial Unity

(8) Content Counter to State Religious Policies

(9) Contact Spreading Terrorism

(10) Content Distorting or Belittling Exceptional Traditional Ethnic Culture

(11) Content Maliciously Damaging or Harming the Image of the State's Civil Servants such as from People's Military, State Security, Police, Administration, or Justice, or the image of Communist Party Members;

(12) Content Glamorizing the Negative or Negative Characters;

(13) Content Promoting Feudal Superstition Contrary to the Scientific Spirit;

(14) Content Promoting a Negative and Decadent Outlook on Life or World View and Values;

(15) Content depicting violence and gore, or showing of repulsive conduct and horror scenes;

(16) Content Showing Pornography and Obscenity, Depicting Crass and Vulgar Tastes, or Promoting Unhealthy and Non-mainstream Attitudes towards Love and Marriage;

(17) Content Insulting, Defaming, Belittling, or Characaturing Others;

(18) Content in Defiance of Social Mores;

(19) Contents that is not Conducive to the Healthy Growth of Minors;

(20) Content Promoting or Glamourising Historical Wars of Aggression or Colonial History;

(21) Other Content that Violates Relevant National Provisions or Social Mores and Norms;

"Detailed Rules for Review of Online Short Video Content"

These Detailed Rules are formulated on the basis of relevant state laws and regulations, the "Provisions on the Administration of Internet Audiovisual Programming Services" and the " General Provisions on Review of Audivisual Program Content" so as to raise the quality of short video content; to contain the broadcast and spread of incorrect, fake, and harmful content; and to create a clear and positive online space.

I. Basic Standards for Review of Online Short Video Content

(1) The 10 standards provided for in article 16 of the "Provisions on the Administration of Internet Audiovisual Program Services".

(2) The 94 standards listed in article 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 of Chapter IV of the "General Provisions on Reviewing of Content in Online Audivisual Programs"

II. Specific Detailed Rules for Review of Online Short Video Content

Based on the basic standards for review of online short video content, short video programs broadcast online, as well as their titles, names, comments, Danmaku, emojis, and language, performance, subtitles, and backgrounds, must not have the following specific content appear (commonly seen problems):

(1) Content Attacking the National Political System or Legal System

For Example：

1. Ridiculing, satirizing, opposing, or berating the path, theory, system, and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics, as well as the country's established major directives and policies, such as (omitted);

2. Distorting, negating, attacking, or berating the formulation or revision of the Constitution or other major laws and regulations, or ridiculing, satirizing, opposing, or berating specific provisions in them;

3. Weakening, turning back on, attacking, or denigrating the leadership of the Communist Party of China, such as (omitted);

4. Ridiculing, negating, or attacking the major policy directives implemented since the Reform and Opening, such as (omitted);

5. Tampering with or playfully interpreting specific names and titles in the nation's political system and legal system, such as (omitted);

(2) Content Dividing the Nation

For Example：

6. Opposing, attacking, or distorting "one China", "or one country, two systems";

7. Words, actions, and symbols that reflect Taiwan independence, Hong Kong independence, Tibetan Independence, or Xinjiang Independence; including videos materials, works, words, speech, images, text, reactionary banners, slogans, and all other forms (except for broadcast of central news units news reports);

8. Programs, entertainment reports, or promotion of works that that were created by artists, organizations, or groups, that advocate secession, or that they participated in the creation of;

9. Descriptions involving territorial and historical events that are not in line with national findings, such as (omitted);

(3) Content Harming the Nation's Image

For Example：

10. Disparaging, tarnishing, or mocking the image, spirit, and ethos of the Chinese nation and ethnicity, such as (omitted);

11. Insulting the national flag or national emblem by methods such as burning, destroying, painting, tarnishing, trampling, or mocking them; or using the national flag and national emblem in inappropriate entertainment or commercial activities and other such forums;

12. Altering or mocking the national anthem; using the national anthem in inappropriate commercial and entertainment activities; or singing the national anthem in an inappropriate situation; so as to harm the dignity of the Nation; such as (omitted);

13. Clipping portions of speaches by Party and state leaders that might distort the original meaning or cause ambiguity, or using methods such as making gifs from video clips to distort or exagerate the tone, meaning, or posture of Party or state leaders' language;

14. Having specially cast actors or regular people dress up as or imitate Party and state leaders' images to participate in performances, speeches, photo shoots, and other such activities without authorization or approval from the state, and so as to obtain a benefit or grandstand and causing a negative impact (except in lawfully approved video works or artistic performances);

15. Having persons in programs wear with Party or state leaders' portraits, and causing the portraits to make strange expressions by wiggling or folding the clothing;

(4) Content Harming the Image of Revolutionary Leaders or Heroes and Martyrs

For Example：

16. Distorting, mocking, profaning, or deny revolutionary leaders, deeds and spirit of the heroes and martyrs, such as (omitted);

17. Improperly using and parodying the names or images of revolutionary leaders or heroes and martyrs, such as (omitted);;

(5) Content Disclosing State Secrets

For Example：

18. Disclosing documents or speeches of any level of state government and Party organs that have not been made public, such as (omitted);

19. Disclosing the content, procedures, and work arrangements of special projects of all levels of state government and Party organ that have not been made public, such as (omitted);

20. Disclosing state secrets in areas such as national defense, science and technology, or the military, such as (omitted);

21. Unauthorized publication of information relating to the personal work or lives of party and state leaders, or information on the family members of party and government leaders;

(6) Content Undermining Social Stability

For Example：

22. Mass incidents that impact public order and public safety, such as (omitted);

23. The dissemination of information on disasters not published by provincial level or higher news units, such as (omitted);

24. Programs on the impact or consequences of disasters that were not produced by news units, such as (omitted);

(7) Content Harmful to Ethnic and Territorial Unity

For Example：

25. Using language, names, dress, images, music, and so forth to make fun of, ridicule, hurt ethnic and geographical sentiment undermining stability and unity, such as (omitted);

26. Coloring normal security and safety measures as ethnic prejudice and antagonism, such as (omitted);

27. Content the broadcast of which might lead to misunderstandings, such as (omitted);

28. Portraying unique ethnic customs and religious beliefs as novelties, or even smearing or insulting them, such as (omitted);

29. Taking a stance of approval or praise towards brutal and bloody historical inter-ethnic wars of conquest, such as (slightly);

(8) Content Counter to State Religious Policies

For Example：

30. Displaying religious extremism and cult organizations, and their primary members and activities, as well as their 'rites' and ideology, such as (omitted);

31. Inappropriately comparing the merits of different religions or sects, that might lead to disputes and conflicts, such as (omitted);

32. Content that excessively displays and promotion of religious doctrines, canons, rites , such as (omitted);

33. Discussing religious extremism and lawful practice of religion together as the same thing, painting normal religious faith and activities as extremist ideology and movements, or explaining extremist ideology and movements as being normal religious faith and activity;

34. Content making fun of or ridiculing religion, as well as all types of malicious speech hurtful to the ethnic and religious feelings;

(9) Content Spreading Terrorism

For Example：

35. Expressions of domestic or foreign terrorist organizations, such as (omitted);

36. Detailed displays of terrorist activity, such as (omitted);

37. The spread of terrorism and its advocacy, such as (omitted);

38. Broadcasting video (other than open Central News Media Reports) of purposeful, planned, and organized violent terrorist attacks carried out through methods such as self-immoliation, suicide bombs, or rioting and looting; or transmitting piecemeal reports and video clips of these events that distort the truth, such as (omitted);

(10) Content Distorting or Belittling Exceptional Traditional Ethnic Culture

For Example：

39. Tampering with classics or distorting the spirit and character of the original, such as (omitted);

40. Subverting important figures and setting of classic works, such as (omitted);

41. Going against basic historical findings, arbitrarily distorting history, such as (omitted);

42. Spoofing or being overly entertaining in presentation of history, particularly revolutionary history, such as (omitted);

(11) Content Maliciously Damaging or Harming the Image of the State's Civil Servants such as from People's Military, State Security, Police, Administration, or Justice, or the image of Communist Party Members

For Example：

43. Maliciously snipping clips of law enforcement personnel to make normal law enforcement activity into violent law enforcement activity;

44. Broadcast without verification of persons wearing military uniforms fighting, gathering, demonstrating, protesting, or petitioning;

45. Using overly exaggerated language when positively presenting the image of the People's Liberation Army, such as (omitted);

(12) Content Glamorizing the Negative or Negative Characters

For Example：

46. Giving a platform all kinds of violators and criminals, including those who use drugs or solicit prostitutes, and organized crime figures, emphasizing the display of the positive in these;

47. Singing the praises of absolutely negative figures, such as (omitted);

(13) Content Promoting Feudal Superstition Contrary to the Scientific Spirit

For Example：

48. Creating channels, sections, or personal home pages on vision quests, po taisui, witchcraft, voodoo dolls, or Taoist rites; promoting practice of sorcery and other feudal superstitious thinking;

49. Playing up the use of magic to change people's fate, such as (omitted);

50. Using classic folk myths to promote feudal superstitious thinking;

(14) Content Promoting a Negative and Decadent Outlook on Life or World View and Values

For Example：

51. Promoting money worship and hedonism, such as (omitted);

52. Displaying debauched lifestyles conratary to ethics and morals, susch as (omitted);

53. Publicizing and promoting despair culture [a movement of cynical, pessimist slacker cultural movement, popular with some Chinese youth] and suicide games, such as (omitted)

54. Displaying sympathy or support for extramarital affairs and one-night stands;

(15) Content depicting violence and gore, or showing of repulsive conduct and horror scenes

For Example：

55. Showing unrestrained actions of underworld forces such as gang fights, murders, violent debt collection, recruiting thugs, or hiring hitmen;

56. Detailed displaying of brutal or cruel criminal processes, and physicial or mental torture, such as (ommissions);

57. Detailed displaying of extreme agitated physiological states, or distorted expressions following drug use, or displaying various tools and methods for taking drugs that are easily imitated, such as (omitted);

58. Detailed presentation of out of control states following excessive drinking, such as (omitted);

59. Detailed displaying of gambling devices such as slot machines, coin pushers, Dayuji fishing gambling games, dividers, cheat machines, and other gambling devices, as well as gambling techniques and conduct such as card sharping or preventing card sharping;

60. Presenting images, dialog, music, or sound effects of excessive physical suffering or psychological hysteria, that might create strong sensory and emotional stimulation in ordinary viewers, that might cause physical and psychological panic, anxiety, hatred, nausea, or other discomfort, such as (omitted);

61.Promoting use of violence to confront violence and promoting extreme vengeful feelings and action, such as (omitted);

(16) Content Showing Pornography and Obscenity, Depicting Crass and Vulgar Tastes, or Promoting Unhealthy and Non-mainstream Attitudes towards Love and Marriage

For Example：

62. Specific displays of prostitution, solicitation of prostitution, fornication, rape and other such situations;

63. The direct display of sexual conduct, such as (omitted);

64. Promotion of pornography appearing in the video, such as (omitted);

65. Presenting moaning or sexual cries and other such noises or effects;

66. Filming foreign 'red light districts' in a sensationalist fashion;

67. Showing sexual transactions in night spots, bath houses or massage parlors;

68. Expressing and presenting abnormal sexual relations or sexual conduct;

69. Presenting and promoting unhealthy views and states of love and marriage;

70. Promoting and hyping non-mainstream views of marriage;

71. Concentrated and detailed display, solely for the purpose of sensory stimulation, of kissing, fondling, showering, or similar conduct indirectly connected to or suggestive of sexual conduct, including nudity, prolonged focus on chests, buttocks, or other such parts; focus on flashing, hidden cameras, protrusions [referring to nipples seen through clothing], fetishicization, sheer stockings, and other sexual desires;

72. Having images, dialog, music, or sound effects that are clearly sexual suggestive, sexually harassing, sexually insulting, or have similar effect, such as (omitted);

73. Displaying male or female sex organs or covering private parts of the body with only one's limbs or by using a very small covering, or excessively revealing clothing;

74. The use of crass language or display of vulgar behavior, such as (omitted);

75. Using veiled or vulgar language to express content causing association with sexual content or organs;

76. Using 'full version', 'unedited version', 'uncut version', 'deleted scenes', or 'complete version', in the title, genre, or promotion of videos where was content removed in review from adult films, erotic films, or level 3 films [HK rating system restricting to 18+ yrs old].

77. Using suggestive text such as 'hidden camera', 'flashing', or 'dew point' [a slang word that refers to usually incidental exposure, along the lines of 'nipslip' or 'crotch shot'] or images as video titles, genres, or in their promotion, such as (omitted);

78. Using words that are easily associated with sex as titles, such as (omitted);

(17) Content Insulting, Defaming, Belittling, or Characaturing Others

For Example：

79. Insulting, Defaming, Belittling, or Characaturing historical figures and their true images or reputations;

80. Belittling or characaturing the leaders of other countries that might lead to international disputes or cause a negative international impact;

81. Insulting, or belittling the professional identity, social status, identity, or health state of others, such as (omitted);

(18) Content in Defiance of Social Mores

For Example：

82. Mockingly portraying major natural disasters, accidents, terrorist incidents, wars, and other disaster scenarios;

83. Using an affirmative or praising tone, or method that encourages imitation, to present attacking or humiliation of others, or filthy language, such as (omitted):

84. Providing space for presenting conduct contrary to public order and morals or that skirts the limits of social mores, such as (omitted):

(19) Content that is not Conducive to the Healthy Growth of Minors;

For Example：

85. Showing minor's young love, as well as smoking, drinking, fighting, abusing drugs, and other negative conduct, such as (omitted);

86. Making characters too exagerated or strange, having a negative impact on minors, such as (omitted);

87. Displaying minors or cartoon and animated images of minors' sexual conduct, or that cause sexual delusions, such as (omitted);

88. Violations of the lawful rights and interests of minors or harming the physical and psychological health of minors, such as (omitted);

(20) Content Promoting or Glamourising Historical Wars of Aggression or Colonial History

For Example：

89. Promoting fascism, ethnic extremism, or racism, such as (omitted);

90. Not distinguishing between fact and fiction, mislocating, disregarding or ignoring acts of aggression by the unjust party or highlighting certain mistakes by the just party;

91. Using language, titles, or images, that are tainted by colonialism, such as (omitted);

(21) Other Content that Violates Relevant National Provisions or Social Mores and Norms

For Example：

92. Using overly entertaining methods of displaying or explaining political content, classical culture, or solemn history, eliminating mainstream value;

93. Engaging in programs produced by designated organizations or individuals opposing China, opposing the Party, separatist organizations, or terrorist organizations, or in which they participated in the production, as well as establishing channels, sections, home pages, or accounts. for them;

94. Programs that those who break the law or commit crimes and scandals produced or participated in the production of, or that justify violations, crimes, and scandals;

95. Violating personal privacy, maliciously exposing others' persons, health, private residence, marital relations, private space, and private activities, such as (omitted);

96. Abusing or wrongfully using symbols, slogans, titles, or language that is already clearly designated in relevant state provisions;

97. Destroying the ecology and environment, torturing animals, hunting or eating nationally protected animal species, such as (omitted);

98. Displaying individuals in possession of dangerous and controlled items with lethal or harmful force, such as (omitted);

99. Embedding information on products and services that violate laws and regulations in programs, such as (omitted);

100. Other content that violates laws, regulations, public order, or good customs.