论我国的电影审查制度——以WTO合规性为视角

中国严格的电影审查制度在WTO框架中受到其他成员的多次指控,2011年12月公布的《电影产业促进法(征求意见稿)》提高审查标准,更是引起舆论哗然.从WTO合规性的视角,基于维护公共道德,中国享有对电影进行内容审查的权力,具体审查标准也属于中国有权自主立法的范围.但是,基于公共道德进行内容审查后,WTO成员对违禁作品的控制权应限定为作品的传播权项,国家基于公共道德的控制权不能剥夺作品的所有著作权利.此外,中国现行法律中指定电影进口单位的规定,其存在作用更多是为维护电影进口发行的垄断权,这与促进电影产业繁荣的要求相抵触.

On China’s Film Censorship System——From the Perspective of WTO Compliance

China's strict film censorship system is frequently accused by other members under the framework of WTO.Furthermore,Film Industry Promotion Law(draft) published in December 2011 which improved the standard of review causes a public outcry.From the perspective of WTO compliance,this paper points out that China is entitled to conduct film content review based on the consideration of public morality and the specific standard of review belongs to the scope of China's self-legislation.However,members' controlling right of banned works should only be limited to dissemination after content review based on public morality,and film copyright should not be deprived of completely afterwards.Moreover,the stipulation of designating film importing entities under the existing law is in violation of WTO rules and has no substantial significance.Its major role is to maintain the distribution monopoly of imported film,which is in conflict with the requirement of promoting the prosperity of film industry.