An industry organization controlled by the Chinese government has updated its list of topics that users of video sharing apps should avoid. Encryption-related content now appears in entries along with traditional Chinese taboos, such as mocking its leadership, provoking sectarianism, and demonstrating sexual behavior.

Clips on crypto trading, China bans mining

China Network Broadcasting Service Association (CNSA) recently released a blacklist Online videos posted on platforms similar to Tiktok should not contain 100 topics. Among them are common suspects such as questioning China’s official history, imitating Chinese political leaders, challenging the country’s guiding ideology of “socialism with Chinese characteristics”, and discussing fascism.

The “Online Short Video Content Review Standard Rules (2021)” document marked many other prohibited topics. A report in the register pointed out some of these problems, such as drug use, gambling machines, crime and gangs, violence and mental abuse. Pornographic content, including content that promotes “non-mainstream views on marriage and love” is also banned.

Although most of these themes were part of its previous version, the list has been updated with some new themes, most notably cryptocurrencies. Videos that promote decentralized digital currencies such as Bitcoin by “inducing and inciting the public to participate in virtual currency’mining’, trading and speculation” are now regarded as prohibited areas by Chinese censorship agencies.

As early as 2017, the authorities of the People’s Republic of China banned crypto-related activities, such as digital currency transactions and raising funds through coin products. However, the government did not intervene in Bitcoin mining until earlier this year.

In May, after Chinese President Xi Jinping promised that China will achieve carbon neutrality in the next 40 years, the State Council, the cabinet of ministers in Beijing, decided to ban the industry.National government attack Forcing miners to relocate to more friendly places Jurisdictions.

The CNSA ban applies to videos uploaded on social media networks such as Douyin, ByteDance’s Chinese version of Douyin and Kuaishou, messaging applications, and Weibo sites that allow short video sharing such as WeChat and Weibo.

As a new member of the blacklist, cryptocurrency ranks 98th. Article 100, read in English: “Other violations of laws, regulations, social public order, and good customs” can be ostensibly interpreted as effectively freeing China’s regulatory agencies from censorship of almost all online clips.

Do you want the Chinese authorities to take other restrictions on online encryption-related content? Share your thoughts on this topic in the comments section below.

Lubomir Tasef

Lubomir Tassev is a tech-savvy journalist from Eastern Europe. He likes Hitchens’ famous quote: “Being a writer is my nature, not what I do.” In addition to encryption, blockchain and financial technology, international politics and economics Are the other two sources of inspiration.