The Development And Regulation Of Cyber Media

The regulation of cyber media has been of global concern since the worldwide booming of Internet in 1990s. Because it is open, global, interactive, and has extremely high amount of information, the Internet has made the traditional media regulations ineffective. Western countries such as U.S., Britain, Canada, Australia, Germany, France and Japan all experienced a similar shifting in the Internet regulations from laissez-faire to gradual control. In general, three principles are abided by in establishing the Internet regulations in these countries: the protection of free speech, the forbiddance of broadcasting harmful information, and the industrial self-regulation.By analyzing the current status of Chinese cyber media regulation and by considering the distinguishing features of the country, the thesis brings forth three principles for the cyber media regulation in China - persisting in CPC's characters and principles on the press undertaking, the opening of the internet, and the non-harmful contents. To construct the cyber media regulation system with Chinese characteristics, it is essential to implement the following steps. First, build up a legislative system based on Internet Broadcasting Act and a framework of the administration of justice, where the publicity department of the government will be in charge of the content regulations, the information industry department does the industry regulations, and the police department dose the Internet security regulations. Secondly, by utilizing the validity, accessibility and externality of the Internet technology, develop a technical regulating system focused on blocking and filtering information. This system should be enforced in the public community and can be chosen at will by individuals. Lastly, establish a self-regulating system based on hot line prosecutions, and advocating the Internet ethic and morality to Internet users.