Christian websites in China have been suspended as new digital content regulations take effect.
The measures, which require internet users who wish to post religious content to obtain a permit, were introduced in March in an attempt to regulate religious content posted online. The Christian charity Open Doors says the move is “tightening the screws on China’s churches and Christian media.”
A licence is only available for state-approved religious institutions such as the Three Self Patriotic Movement and Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association.
Open Doors says: “The goal is to further limit the scope of public sharing of faith and to force all religions to align with Chinese socialism.”