onsdag 11. august 2021

China to ban karaoke songs with 'illegal content'

China is set to ban karaoke songs that contain "illegal content", its Ministry of Culture and Tourism has announced. Songs that fall under this category include those that endanger national unity, sovereignty or territorial integrity. Those who provide content to karaoke venues have been urged to review the songs and flag up to the ministry those that are potentially harmful. The rules are due to come into effect on 1 October.

Other songs that are set to be banned include those which: Incite ethnic hatred and ethnic discrimination, endanger national security or harm national honour and interests, violate the state's religious policies, propagate obscenity, gambling, violence and other criminal activities.

China has more than 50,000 "song and dance entertainment" venues across the country, according to the ministry. It added that it was difficult for venue operators to identify illegal songs, given that some had music libraries of more than 100,000 songs - which was why they were encouraging content providers to take more responsibility.