China announces drive to stamp out online content inciting 'violence or hostility'

ISTANBUL

China announced on Monday a two-month special campaign across the country to combat "maliciousness" that incites "violence or hostility" in society through online content.

According to a statement released by China's Cyberspace Administration, the operation aims to create a more civilized and rational online environment.

This campaign will focus on social media platforms, short videos, and livestreaming platforms, with a thorough examination of trending topics, recommendations, and comments, the regulator said.

The restricted content includes posts that promote "excessive" negative sentiments, such as "hard work is useless" and "studying is useless," which entail exaggerating "individual cases" of negative emotions and encouraging negative attitudes towards life.

The campaign will address issues such as inciting conflict based on identity, region, or gender; instilling fear through fabricated disaster and emergency reports; and fueling online violence by disseminating graphic footage or provocative content depicting extreme acts such as animal abuse and suicide.

It has been emphasized to the regulator's local branches that they must follow the rules and requirements, strengthen investigations, and severely punish any online platforms, sites, or accounts found to violate the rules.

The regulator advised online platforms to create a healthy online ecosystem and urged netizens to report such content.

China recently penalized 25 researchers for paper mill activity and plagiarism, including some who received grants.