Even Backstreet Boys' song 'I Want It That Way' which was released more than a decade ago should be removed from music websites in China.
- August 26, 2011
AceShowbiz -
China feels threatened by the music of Lady GaGa, Katy Perry, Backstreet Boys and other pop stars. The country's Ministry of Culture has banned the download of their songs on Chinese music sites because "they had never been submitted for mandatory government screening", The AP reported.
As many as 100 songs are included in the red list, including Perry's "Last Friday Night" and BSB's 12-year-old hit "I Want It That Way". GaGa in particular has six songs in the list, all from her latest album "Born This Way". However, not every song is Western. Dozens of Hong Kong and Taiwanese artists' also face punishment.
The ministry's main goal is to preserve China's "national cultural security". Websites are given two weeks to remove the songs or get penalties.
Chinese government actually has always been screening imported entertainment that contains political messages, especially after 2008. That year, Icelandic singer Bjork shouted "Tibet!" during her concert in Shanghai after a song called "Declare Independence".
