Set-top box content under govt scrutiny

Rough days seem to be ahead for set-top box providers in China, with many of them facing government scrutiny for violation of broadcast rules.

Many set-top boxes, which stream shows from Chinese online video sites and games, music and other applications, are said to be working with unlicensed online program providers and contain illegal content, said a statement issued by the State General Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, the broadcast regulator.

Gadgets like Tmall Magic Box, a device backed by e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, offer access to third-party online video applications such as Youku, iQiyi and Sohu. Such connections provide technical support for viewers to access content that is either obscene in nature or detrimental to political stability, the regulator said.