China Calls for Realtime Censorship of Satellite Broadband
30th September 2024
Beijing has published its proposed regulations for satellite broadband, including a requirement that operators conduct censorship in real time.
In its latest draft rules, the Cyberspace Administration of China proposes any organization or individual using terminal equipment with direct connection to satellite services is not allowed to “produce, copy, publish, or disseminate content prohibited by laws and administrative regulations, such as content that incites subversion of state power, overthrows the socialist system, endangers national security and interests, damages the national image, incites secession of the country, undermines national unity and social stability, promotes terrorism, extremism, ethnic hatred, ethnic discrimination, violence, pornography, and false information.”
It clarifies that terminal equipment includes civilian handheld, portable, and fixed terminals, as well as terminals installed on aircraft, ships, and vehicles – essentially any device that enables users to access satellite communication systems for voice calls, text messaging, and data exchange.
The document states that providers must align their operations with national security and network security requirements, and prevent illegal activities.
Whatever it may be out there, in here is forever 1984.