The Chinese government is continuing to tighten its grip on national press freedom. In its newest power play, the government is drafting a law stating journalists cannot report on “sudden events” without prior authorization from the Communist controlled legislature.

This law could allow the government from keeping reporters from notifying the public about riots, strikes, major accidents, protests, mass outbreaks of disease, and countless other important subjects. If a media outlet were to defy the law, it could be slapped with a fine of $6,250 to $12,500 each time.

For more information, read the ongoing coverage of media censorship in China from the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s and Reporters Without Borders.