Beijing: In its crackdown on unlicensed online content providers, China has banned 25 websites for providing audio and video content without authorization and frequently broadcasting "illegal" programmes.

Another 32 sites, including the popular www.tudou.com, were warned for minor violations, the State Administration of Radio Film and Television said in a circular.

SARFT said it conducted a two-month long inspection and the "penalised" websites that had either broadcast obscene, "fear-inspiring" or violent content or programmes that might endanger national security and interests or for providing services illegally.

The banned websites included the popular www.mopvod.com.

The cases of five other websites with no qualifications to provide audio and video services online were transferred to telecommunication authorities, SARTF said, according to official Xinhua news agency.

The new regulations brought into force from January 31 this year stipulate that the website operators must obtain a license before airing audio or video content.
Source : PTI