The Chinese government has issued new regulations tightening its control over online news content. Companies that publish, share or edit news will need a government license, and senior editors must be approved by the authorities.

Other staff will be required to undergo government training and assessment, and receive official accreditation.

From 1 June, when the rules come into force, they will be expected to follow "information security protocols", including "emergency response" measures such as increased vetting following disasters, according to the state news agency Xinhua.

Organisations that do not have a licence will not be allowed to post news or commentary about the government, economy, military, foreign affairs, or "other areas of public interest".

Only publicly funded organisations will be able to carry out their own reporting.

Companies that fail to comply will have their licences withdrawn and face fines of up to 30,000 yuan ($4,350).

Google, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and many foreign news websites are banned in China.