China to Regulate Online Religious Activity Amid Intense Crackdown
New rules impose restrictions on what can be posted, including a ban on criticism of official religious policies
China is rolling out new rules on religious activity on the internet amid an ongoing crackdown on churches, mosques and other institutions by the officially atheist Communist Party.
The rules posted online late Monday, 10 September, by the State Administration for Religious Affairs would require anyone wishing to provide religious instruction or similar services to apply by name.
They impose tight limits on what can be said or posted, including a ban on criticism of official religious policies or promoting religion among minors.
Authorities in recent months have ratcheted up pressure on religious groups, destroying crosses, burning bibles, shutting churches and ordering followers to renounce their faith. Hundreds of thousands of Muslims are believed to have been detained.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)