Administrative Provisions on Internet-based Audio-visual Program Services entered into force on 31 Jan. 2008.

There are 29 articles in total. The Provisions aim to regulate the audio-visual service, namely activities that provide audio-visual programs to the public via the Internet, and provide people with the service of uploading and spreading the audio-visual program. Key points of the Provisions include:

1. State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (now the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television) is the regulatory authority in the area. Besides, the competent authority of the information industry under the State Council (the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology) is responsible for the regulation of the telecommunication industry relating to the area.
2. Where the service providers engage in activities in the area, they shall obtain Licenses for Spreading Audio-Visual Programs via Information Network issued by the regulatory authorities.
3. Where the service providers’ business involves the audio-visual service about current political affairs, they may also need Licenses for Radio and Television Broadcasting Institutions, Licenses for Internet-based News Information Service, and Licenses for Production and Operation of Radio and Television Programs.