China is to issue new regulations against websites which broadcast short films without state permission, according to the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT).

The administration has listed the well-known websites of Sina, Sohu and Netease as authorized providers of online video programs.

But others face an uncertain fate as the administration will inspect the online video contents they release. SARFT has emphasized strict measures will be enforced to prevent any malpractice.

The new regulations will be unveiled in late August or September, despite a rising popularity in online short films. The shorts, often parodies of classic movies or events that occur in everyday life, have spread quickly on the Internet, provoking controversies on morality and intellectual property right protection.

A 10-minute video using clips from the 1974 patriotic film about the Chinese revolution "Sparkling Red Star" is now under the spotlight. Pan Dongzi, a heroic boy in the original movie, has been converted to a popstar wannabe who competes in a CCTV (China Central Television) singing contest.

The video attracted millions of clicks even before the opening of the month-long 12th CCTV singing contest, which is giving way to "Super Girls" and other popular shows employing the "American Idol" formula.

The parody turns the evil landowner who brutally exploited tenants to a silly judge taking backdoor bribes, and changes Pan's father from a Red Army soldier to the Beijing real estate tycoon Pan Shiyi.

It features at the end the film cutter, Hu Daoge, a nickname actually expanding from another prankster Hu Ge.

Hu Ge unexpectedly reaped a fame after posting online his parody of famed Chinese director Chen Kaige's latest epic "The Promise" earlier this year. Chen once threatened to sue him.

But unlike the predecessor applauded among the public, the short film about singing contest has incurred severe criticism. Some commentators believe satire should not go too far and the distortion of heroes and China's revolutionary history is immoral and unacceptable.

According to an online survey, more than 60 percent of web users who have watched it agree that parody should remain within bounds.

Li Ming, a psychological consultant from northeast China's Jilin Province, noted that such spoofs will leave a negative impact on teenagers' ideas about the life and society.

"Internet is a public space, and its users should be aware of and responsible for consequences by their online words and deeds," said Qi Si, a professor with the sociology department of Jilin University.

In July 2004, SARFT already promulgated regulations to certificate audio and video programs on the Internet and other networks.

Online short films are ordered to be licensed as "they are intended to spread among the public", according to the regulations.

Only a few websites were then given official approval to run online audio and video services.

Those who violate the regulations will face a fine of up to 30,000 yuan ( 3,750 U.S. dollars).

Source: Xinhua