China Cracks Down on 'Network Music'
The guys over at China's Ministry of Culture issued new guidelines Tuesday tightening control of music downloads.  As the Ministry called it, "network music" was a USD$350 million industry last year and until now, has been an unregulated business in China.  Network music includes any music downloaded from or played on the music used on computers, mp3 players or cell phones.  This is yet another measure by China's censorship bureau aimed at regulating the internet.  And if you're sick of reading about China cracking down on shit, trust me, I'm sick of writing about it.  Beginning March 1, 2007, all websites offering downloadable music, especially those run by foreign companies will have to register with the government and be approved as a state-sanctioned music provider.  The guidelines expressly outlaw mp3 services funded by foreign investors.  It remains to be seen what this means for established U.S. companies like iTunes or Napster.  The main issue for government regulators are foreign companies operating on the Chinese internet that are not obtaining business licensing and approval that a non-internet foreign business would have to obtain.  After March 1st, all music providers operating in China without permission will be punished.  Under the new guidelines, China's government will effectively control what Chinese people can listen to.  I can only hope the authorities like ear-bleeding trance and blazin' hip-hop and R&B.

•China Daily: China Tightens Control on 'Network Music'

 

 

 

 

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