Two sessions bring internet culture industry into focus

As internet technologies have been increasingly applied in the cultural field, vigorous growth in recent years has marked China's cultural programs and industries.

In this year's government work report, Premier Li Keqiang frequently referred to internet-related concepts, like Internet Plus, artificial intelligence, and Digital China, and noted that the Chinese government will give priority to "providing more and better online content".

During the two sessions, many NPC deputies and CPPCC members showed great concern over the problems facing the internet culture industry and weighed in with suggestions.

Pony Ma Huateng, chairman and CEO of Chinese social media and gaming titan Tencent Holdings Ltd, and an NPC deputy, brought eight suggestions to the top legislature, including using the Internet Plus strategy to build the country into a Digital China and an Internet Power based on the integration of digital technologies and culture. He also pointed out the importance of creating cultural IPs (intellectual properties) with Chinese characteristics and promoting the coordinated development of cultural industries with other social sectors.

Promoting traditional fine culture on the internet was another key issue discussed during the two sessions. Gong Hanlin, a famous comedian and a CPPCC member, said that although our literature and arts have kept thriving, it's not hard to find live streaming programs and micro videos fraught with dross, which pose a great hazard to younger people. Gong argued that we need to crack down on vulgar productions and kitsch in cyber space and promote fine traditional Chinese culture, on which the country's young country can thrive.

Ding Lei, CEO of NetEase Inc and a CPPCC member, noted quality online content is still inadequate. To produce and popularize more quality digital cultural content, the communication capabilities of the internet companies can be capitalized on if they are closely integrated with content production organizations, according to the CPPCC member.

Ding also said it's necessary to further construct a public cultural service system led by the government with the participation of social forces, and that the digitalization of books should be high on the agenda. He argued that with more books carrying fine traditional Chinese culture digitalized and a special online lending system established, quality cultural content can be accessible to the wider public.

Recent years also have witnessed the online gaming and live-streaming industries take off with ever-expanding markets. Statistics show that with annual revenues up to 203.61 billion yuan ($32.2 billion) in 2017, China's game industry topped the world gaming market.

However, the extensive development of the online gaming industry has caused many problems, especially violence and sexual elements in the games targeted at teenagers. Therefore, NPC deputy Li Xiuxiang, offered suggestions on building a clear cyber space, including introducing an effective real-name system and an anti-addiction system for those underage, further developing the review mechanism of game content, and establishing an industry self-discipline system.

NPC deputy Chen Naike put forward several suggestions in a bid to curb the infringement of copyright and the law on the live streaming platforms. Chen said the government needs to step up efforts to pass laws and regulations to better administrate online interactive live broadcasting, set up a multi-agency supervision mechanism, and strengthen the industry's self-discipline system, as well as encourage public supervision.