The cyber security regulator of China has reportedly confirmed to have blocked access to the website of Australian Broadcasting Corp (ABC), the national broadcaster of Australia. According to trusted sources, the site has been banned as it reportedly breached China’s internet rules and regulations.
Chinese regulators have reportedly declined to specify the laws violated by the website. Two officials from different departments refused to clarify the reason behind the censorship, declining to even cite any content as an example. An unidentified official reportedly stated that the government has the right to take steps to block dissemination.
According to BBC, ABC is the latest news website to have been banned in China with other prominent news websites like The New York Times and BBC News also currently unavailable in the country.
Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison stated that the ban is Beijing’s decision and falls out of the Australian Federal government’s reach. Morrison further added that ABC is funded to operate in Australia which the government has control over but what China does is their own prerogative.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) reportedly specified that the department has raised the issue with the authorities in China, however refused to further elaborate on the statement.
According to reports, the website of ABC was blocked just a day after the Australian government unveiled a set of rules that barred two Chinese telecommunication companies from participating in the deployment of the 5G infrastructure network.
Reportedly, Huawei was one of those affected by the Australian government’s decision which has seemingly further heightened tensions between the two nations. However, officials from the Chinese government were quick to comment that the ban is not related to the 5G roll-out issue.
Reports cite that other Australian news websites like News Limited, SBS and Fairfax continue to operate in China without any hindrance.