The city barred the subscriptions, Hau explained, because Apple Daily readers can easily use their cell phones to scan a 2D bar code printed on the newspaper to gain access to the media group's "Action News" Web site, which does not separate content using a rating system.

"Teenagers and students can watch unclassified 'Action News' very easily through a handset scan," the mayor said.

The city government decided Thursday to block all primary and secondary schools and libraries in the capital from subscribing to the daily newspaper known for its sensationalistic style until the Action News site observes rating regulations.

The city imposed its second fine of NT$500,000 (US$15,460) on Apple Daily in two days for violating the Children and Youth Welfare Law by posting obscene motion graphic news on the Action News Web site.

Soon after the online news service was launched Nov. 16, its reports on murders, sexual assaults and domestic violence -- presented with often disturbing motion graphics and narration which describe the crimes in detail -- drew immediate complaints and sparked anger among many civil groups.

On Friday, the Apple Daily published a report on its front page, describing Hau's move to block the newspaper from being circulated in schools as reinstating "martial law." In response, city government spokeswoman Chao Hsin-ping said it is a "necessary measure to protect the physical and mental health of adolescents." "The city respects freedom of the press, but the press should also exercise self-restraint," she said.

Chao also urged the country's top media regulator, the National Communications Commission (NCC) , to set regulations on using motion graphics to present a news story.

According to Internet rating management measures listed in the Children and Youth Welfare Law, excessively detailing criminal conduct, including murders, or describing sexual behavior with actions, video, words and narration should be rated as "restricted." Taipei City Law and Regulation Commission Chairman Yeh Ching-yuan said the city government has the duty to bar juveniles from reaching "the platform of restricted motion pictures, " a clear reference to the Apple Daily Web site.

(By Worthy Shen, Chen Hung-chin & Elizabeth Hsu)