Across The Border | Live-streaming platforms at risk as regulators tighten rules
Authorities’ restrictions could lead to consolidation in the industry, removing inferior operators, analysts say
More live streaming platforms could be forced to shut down as mainland authorities tighten control of the industry and frequently impose stricter rules, according to industry watchers.
“A succession of stricter rules and regulations certainly will strip some inferior operators off the market,” Zhong Tai Securities analyst Wang Xian said. “It will also add further concentration to the industry.”
The Ministry of Culture on Tuesday ordered that all online live-performance operators apply for a permit from the relevant provincial cultural affairs authority, with performers to register their real names and identity documents, with effect from January 1.
The new order follows a requirement issued last month by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), which took effect on December 1, requiring content providers to obtain qualifications and set rules on monitoring user data.
CAC last week told Xinhua that more than 4,500 accounts on Beijing-based websites had shut down more than 3,100 live-streaming programmes when the rules against violent and obscene content came into effect at the beginning of this month.
