Social media curbs in China: From June, you will need a permit to post news

China’s State Council Information Office released updated regulations on 2 May that will restrict individuals from writing and reading news stories from individual blogs and social media, including Sina Weibo and WeChat. Under the news rules, users will be required to obtain a permit before writing or distributing news on social media.

The updated version of the “Provisions for the Administration of Internet News Information Service” will take effect on June 1, 2017.

Along with restrictions on news reporting, the rules will also require individuals to submit real identity information when subscribing to a news information service.

The original provisions were introduced in September 2005 to restrict online news outlets from writing and publishing original news stories from “illegitimate” sources, in an effort to force all online portals to distribute news only from news agencies licensed by Internet News Information Service Work Units.

Despite the many layers of censorship that China is so well known for, the digital media environment has given rise to a robust industry of individuals doing serious news reporting online. The country's various social media platforms have enabled more and more independent writers to use blogs, Weibo and WeChat public platforms to write news features or news commentary. Some independent journalists or commercial media outlets have even managed to support their work with readers’ cash tips and commercial ads.
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Rooter, a sport social network to connect with fans of your favourite team

BREAKING NEWS - There is something unique about all sports – a spirit of unity that brings people together to cheer for what they support. We often get a glimpse of it among friends or strangers at workplaces, eateries, clubs, or any other place where a live match is being screened.

Ever wondered how it would be if common interests and sport fandom were to unite random people separated by distance or want of acquaintance? How about some ‘social sports networking’? After all, sitting alone curled in a couch as you watch a match of your favourite team or player can be boring!

You can use social sports app Rooter to get yourself in touch with sports enthusiasts around the world with similar interests and liking. Apart from basic features like real-time updates and event facts, the app offers a 360-degree engagement experience to fans, giving them the opportunity to immerse themselves in their most ardent passion – sports!

Once you have downloaded the app from Play Store, you can log in using your Facebook, Twitter or Google accounts. The app requires permissions to access contacts and user profile, so user discretion is required. Once logged in, the app offers you the option to customise your experience in accordance with the sports of your liking. (READ MORE)