BEIJING (BDCi) – China’s Ministry of Culture has ordered for music download sites to erase songs by pop icon, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, the Backstreet boys and other pop singers in two weeks or they will be penalized.
The ministry said the purpose of the recent rule was to maintain China’s “National Cultural Security.”
A list of 100 songs was posted by the ministry to be submitted for mandatory government screening.
However a total of six songs by Lady Gaga were also on the list, all from her latest album. Amongst them the controversial “Judas” along with “last Friday Night” by Katy Perry.
The mandatory withdrawal for these music down load sites was announced on Aug.19 and posted to the ministry’s website stating they had until Sept.15 to delete the songs.
Chinese official will carefully screen the content of the songs for political inclination or commentary that goes against to its official line.
Although it is unclear whether these songs are objectionable, the Chinese government said they have not been approved for distribution.
Meanwhile violators were told they would be punished if they did not obliged even though penalties have not yet been outlined or explained.
By: Shayla Selva Edited by: Don Weinstein Source: AP August 26, 2011
10:50 a.m. PDT