Digital Music News
Date:  July 17, 2020
By: Dylan Smith

Taiwanese government officials have moved to block Chinese streaming services amid rising regional tensions and security concerns.

Taiwan’s National Communications Commission (NCC), the government entity tasked with regulating the telecommunication and broadcasting spheres, recently drafted the corresponding legislation. Entitled “Internet Audiovisual Service Management Law,” the proposed law introduces an array of regulations and requirements for digital-media service providers, in addition to the aforementioned blocking of Chinese streaming services. Lawmakers will reportedly discuss and possibly modify the legislation for the next two or so months before sending it away to Taiwan’s executive branch, the Executive Yuan.

Included in the legislation is a clause proposing fines of up to about $169,000 (NT $5 million) for Taiwan-based telecommunications companies and internet service providers (ISPs) that supply over-the-top (OTT) streaming services from entities in mainland China. If passed in its current form, it appears that the bill would accordingly prohibit streaming services including Tencent Music, Tencent Video, and several others.

The legislation also sets forth regulations pertaining to specific types of content prohibited by Taipei – presumably media with political messages. Additionally, if made into law, the measure will encourage OTT media-streaming services (from all countries) to register with the National Communications Commission, though some brands may be legally required to register, depending upon the size and scope of their operations.    [FULL  STORY]