A decision to restrict the broadcasting of Internet videos is beneficial to public interest, a Chinese official said on Sunday.

The regulation on Internet video service, approved by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television and the Ministry of Information Industry, took effect on Jan. 31.

Under the new regulation, websites that offer video programs must obtain government permits.

The regulation also clarifies that state capitals should play a leading role in the industry.

The move was "conducive to the development of the Internet culture with Chinese characteristics" and was in line with the State Council's measures about the entry of private companies into the cultural industry, the official said.

He said the new regulation aimed to create a clean and healthy on-line environment, especially for the young, and to protect copyrights.

On-line video providers must adopt copyright protection measures. Violators face a fine of up to 30,000 yuan (4,100 U.S. dollars) imposed by local regulators, the regulation said.

Statistics show China now has more than 172 million Internet users who are on-line for at least one hour a week on average, second only to the United States.

With the Internet penetration rate reaching 12.3 percent, nearly 70 million computers in the country are connected to the Internet.

(Xinhua News Agency February 4, 2008)