China Moves to Restrict Online Video Sites

China appears set to clamp down on online video sites with a new set of regulations that restricts content and organization, the Wall Street Journal reports. The regulations, to take effect Jan. 31, require sites broadcasting online video to be owned or controlled by the state, and to censor and report content that involves national secrets, threatens China’s reputation or disrupts social stability.

"Those who provide Internet video services should … abide by the moral code of socialism," the law states. It is unclear what impact the regulations will have on Chinese internet video companies, as the government has previously announced it would regulate video sites without taking action. The effect on foreign-owned sites, like YouTube, is even harder to predict. (More China stories.)