'Action News' banned from school networks

TAnet is the network that covers all academic and educational establishments.

Wu said the Education Ministry has also asked all county and city governments to instruct schools that they advise their students to stay away from the site's “scandalous and polluted media content.”

Next Media launched the online news service on Nov. 16, reporting murders, sexual assaults and domestic violence using disturbing motion graphics and narration.

“'Action News'” graphic images have sparked concerns from civic groups, and many furious parents and educators have staged strong protests in front of the office building of the Next Media affiliated newspaper Apple Daily, because of the easy access the paper gives to the Web site.

A 2D bar code printed on the newspaper allows readers to access the “Action News” site simply by scanning it with their cell phones.

The Taipei City government has barred elementary and secondary schools in the city from subscribing to the tabloid for fear that students may use their cell phones to gain access to the motion graphics.

Wu said the education authorities expected self discipline from the media, while still fully supporting press freedom.

Any obscene or harmful information, and not only “Action News,” will be banned from TAnet,” the minister said.

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