jpnn.com, CHINA - Chinese authorities have prohibited foreign organizations and individuals from providing online religious information services.
The decision was made by five different departments in China.
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In an effort to standardize online religious information services and guarantee religious freedom, it was necessary to implement policies based on laws and regulations, including those on cyber security and religion, China's State Administration for Religious Affairs said on Sunday.
Meanwhile, some organizations or individuals providing religious information services in China must first apply for a permit to the religious affairs department at the provincial level.
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After obtaining permission from the local authority, the entity is only allowed to disseminate religious information by promoting social harmony according to Chinese civilization and patriotism.
Recipients of information must also register using their real names that match their identity documents.
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Armed with this permit, religious schools in China can provide education or tutorials to students or followers of certain religions through special websites or forums that have been approved by law.
Special sites linked to networks outside of China must verify the identities of those who participate in religious trainings or lectures.
Other than those meeting the requirements above, organizations or individuals are not permitted to conduct missionary activities, training, or lectures online.
Religious organizations or individuals that do not meet those requirements are also prohibited from broadcasting, either live or recorded.
They are also not allowed to raise funds in the name of a particular religion via the internet, as reported by the GICExpat news website.
In China, there are several religious organizations established and consisting of Indonesian citizens such as the Nahdlatul Ulama special branch, the Muhammadiyah special branch, and the Beijing Study Circle. (antara/mcr20/jpnn)
This news has been broadcast on JPNN.com with the title: China Perketat Aturan soal Organisasi Keagamaan, NU dan Muhammadiyah Terdampak