The incitement of panic through the fabrication of reports is banned.
China's Cyberspace Administration has launched a two-month nationwide campaign to combat malicious incitement to negative emotions online. The goal is to create a healthier online environment.
The special campaign will focus on social media, short video platforms, and live broadcasts. Key areas under scrutiny will include ratings, recommendations, and comments. Authorities intend to tackle several types of violations. These include provoking extreme group conflicts based on identity, region, or gender, as well as inciting fans to slander and attack opponents during discussions of movies, TV shows, or sports events.
Also banned is the incitement of panic through the fabrication of disaster reports, the spread of rumors about the economy and government policies, the promotion of violence, as well as content that disseminates notions such as "hard work is useless" and "studying is pointless." Popular memes, quotes, and emojis that authorities believe excessively demean, exaggerate despair, and contribute to the spread of "world-weariness" will also be removed.
This campaign is part of China's consistent policy to strengthen control over the online environment. Previously, authorities had already launched initiatives to protect minors from harmful content and to combat the use of profanity online.
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