The Chinese Culture Ministry has announced that starting 31 December, all foreign and domestic songs posted on music websites must first receive official approval. Foreign music providers will also be required to provide translations of the songs' texts in Chinese.

The ministry says the new measure is meant "to regulate the transmission of cultural information, guarantee the safety of the nation's culture and regulate public ethics". The authorities find the measure necessary because information that violates public morality such as pornography and violence is continuously appearing online.

Around 340 million people are estimated to use the internet in China, more than any other country in the world. Beijing often blocks online content such as pornography and violence, as well as information critical of the government.

Chinese internet café
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