China will scrutinize online platforms such as social media networks and video-sharing sites to crack down on fake accounts and information as part of its drive to “clean up” the internet, the country’s cyber regulator said Thursday.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said it would launch a two-month special operation to tackle deceptive online behavior ranging from increasing engagement rates to paying for fake fans and reviews.
The investigation comes against the backdrop of a wide-ranging crackdown on regulators across sectors, with officials tightening oversight of companies in technology, real estate, gaming, education, cryptocurrencies and finance.
The CAC held a video conference on Wednesday attended by its provincial and municipal agencies from across the country, according to a statement posted on its website on Thursday.
“The conference noted that currently fabricating online traffic, malicious public relations and commentary for cash … harms the legitimate rights and interests of internet users,” the statement said, adding that it was the “final battle” in the CACs. drive “clean up” the internet.
Previous special operations this year has focused on celebrity fandom, underage use of the Internet, and also discussions about historical events that deviate from the official narrative propagated by the ruling Chinese Communist Party.
While Thursday’s statement did not name companies or individuals, it said platforms hosting movie and book reviews, short videos and social networks would be among the focal points of the operation.
Douban, an online platform where tens of millions of Chinese users rate movies and discuss various social topics, and microblogging site Weibo, were both fined this month by the CAC for illegal content.
The Chinese State Council in September released guidelines for building a “civilized” internet, stating that the internet should be used to educate about the ruling Communist Party and its achievements.
(This story was not edited by DailyExpertNews staff and was generated automatically from a syndicated feed.)