China is home to one of the world's most restrictive media environments and its most sophisticated censorship system. Although Article 35 of the Constitution guarantees freedoms of speech, assembly, association, and publication, these rights are subject to the discretion of the CCP and its status as the dominant power. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The ruling CCP maintains control over the news through direct ownership, accreditation of journalists, harsh penalties for online criticism, and daily directives to media outlets and websites that guide breaking news coverage. State management of telecommunications infrastructure allows for the blocking of websites, the removal of mobile phone applications from the internal market, and the mass deletion of microblog posts, instant messages and user accounts touching on political, social, economic and religious topics prohibited. There is no press law regulating the protection of journalists or the punishment of their attackers. Instead, vague provisions of the penal code and state secrets legislation are routinely used to imprison Chinese citizens who peacefully express views that the CCP deems objectionable. Criminal defamation provisions and more informal judicial interpretations – including the 2013 guidelines relating to “online rumours” – are occasionally used to similar effect. Since 2015, several new laws or amendments have been passed that codify media control, allow for greater surveillance, and increase penalties for political or religious expression. Journalists from the mainstream press are periodically arrested or jailed, either explicitly for their work or on trumped-up charges such as corruption or illegal business activity. It is more common for freelance journalists, writers, online activists and a range of other Chinese citizens to be sentenced to prison or administrative detention, especially for disseminating information online or sending it to contacts outside China. While many traditional print journalists were arrested or sentenced to prison in 2014 and 2015, writers and freelancers working on the Internet bore the brunt of prosecutions in 2016, marking a return to the previous pattern. For example, in July 2016, Wang Jianmin, the editor, and Guo Zhongxiao, a reporter of two Hong Kong magazines, New-Way Monthly and Multiple Face, were accused in China of illegal business operations and sentenced to five years and three years, respectively. months and two years and three months in prison. Guo, after serving his sentence, was released in September. Chinese law does not guarantee free public access to official information. Under open government regulations that went into effect in 2008, many agencies have become more willing to publish official documents. Throughout 2016, parties and state bodies reaffirmed commitments to increasing government transparency and public comment on draft regulations, while the judiciary has continued the trend since 2014 of making more of its decisions available online. However, courts have largely been hesitant to enforce information requests, and government bodies routinely withhold information from journalists and the public, even about matters of vital public interest. Critical aspects of the party's political decision-making and personnel decisions remain shrouded in secrecy. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), founded in late 2013, is a state agency that oversees online media. It is part of an organismof the CCP created in 2014, known as the Central Internet Security and Informatization Leading Group, which coordinates work on cybersecurity and Internet management. The group is led by President Xi, Premier Li Keqiang and propaganda chief Liu Yunshan. In July 2016, the CAC issued new rules that prevent commercial web portals, such as Tencent News, Sina and Netease, from producing their own news content on subject issues. In November, the National People's Congress adopted a new law on cybersecurity, which was due to take effect in June 2017. The law strengthens existing censorship and surveillance practices, while codifying requirements for tech companies to store user information in the country, enforce real-name registration, and provide “technical support” for official investigations. Also in November, the CAC finalized requirements that live streaming services retain user data for 60 days and cooperate with national security investigations. Journalists and other media workers are legally required to hold government-issued press passes, although some report not having one. Those who violate content restrictions risk having press pass renewals delayed or denied, blacklisted, fired, or face criminal charges. In 2015, regulators for the first time issued press passes to online journalists, allowing them to conduct interviews and report news directly, rather than simply republishing traditional media reports. However, the permits issued were distributed in a discriminatory manner, accrediting only journalists from party- or government-run websites, while staff from major commercial portals such as Sina and Sohu were excluded. Xi Jinping, state president and leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), made high-profile visits to major state media in February and called on all media outlets to demonstrate strict adherence to the party line. The already limited space for investigative journalism and liberal commentary has shrunk throughout 2016, continuing a hardening ideological trend since Xi took over leadership of the CCP in 2012. A series of new laws and regulations have increased Internet censorship, including on the popular instant messaging tool WeChat and online video streaming platforms. The year's top priorities for censorship officials included protecting the reputation of Xi and other prominent figures and influencing coverage of health and safety issues, foreign affairs and government wrongdoing. In November, the government adopted a new law on cybersecurity and a series of other regulations that increased restrictions on Internet communications, online publishing and video streaming during the year. Authorities tightened control over news delivery channels, including social media and mobile phone applications, and suspended permission for websites to republish major news content. Caixin website. Although the total of 38 journalists behind bars at the end of the year represents a slight decrease compared to 2015, at least 111 journalists, bloggers, online writers, activists and members of religious or ethnic minorities were sentenced during 2016 to prison sentences of up to 19 years for alleged crimes related to freedom of expression or access to information. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Despite the Risks and Obstacles. (2016)., 25(100), 533-551.