Draft would tighten rules for religion

Licensing contemplated for providers of faith-related information online

Better regulations are needed for online religious services in China, as such activities are becoming common, according to experts on religious affairs.

"More religious groups and leaders are now using the internet and social media to pass on religious information. Such behavior has actually extended their religious services from the places of worship to a more public space," said Cao Nanlai, an associate professor of religious studies at Renmin University of China in Beijing. "As a result, the former approach to religious affairs based on temples or churches needs to be upgraded to adapt to the new situation."