China is to issue new regulations against websites which broadcast short films without state permission, according to the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT).

The administration has listed the websites of Sina, Sohu and Netease as authorized providers of online video programs.

But others face an uncertain fate as the administration will inspect the online video content they release. SARFT has emphasized strict measures will be enforced to prevent any malpractice.

The new regulations will be unveiled in late August or September, despite a rising popularity in online short films. The shorts, often parodies of classic movies or events that occur in everyday life, have spread quickly on the Internet, provoking controversies on morality and intellectual property right protection.

A 10-minute video using clips from the 1974 patriotic film about the Chinese revolution "Sparkling Red Star" is now under the spotlight. Pan Dongzi, a heroic boy in the original movie, has been converted to a popstar wannabe who competes in a CCTV (China Central Television) singing contest.

It has incurred severe criticism. Some commentators believe satire should not go too far and the distortion of heroes and China's revolutionary history is immoral and unacceptable.