Xi Jinping orders tighter control over bloggers, online platforms

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the creation of a long-term mechanism to manage the internet and tighten oversight of bloggers and online platforms, according to China Central Television (CCTV).

Xi urged authorities to “unsheath the sword against online chaos,” dismantle interest networks, and eliminate conditions that allow them to arise.

He stressed that internet platforms, private blogs, and MCN (multi-channel network) agencies — which manage influencer accounts — must bear social responsibility and promote positive content.

The Chinese leader also highlighted emerging challenges posed by artificial intelligence and Big Data, directing authorities to strengthen data protection systems and classify digital threats.

In September, China’s top internet regulator said it would take action against the news app Jinri Toutiao (owned by ByteDance) and Alibaba’s browser company UCWeb for allegedly displaying harmful content. That month the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) launched a two-month campaign aimed at “regulating malicious incitement to conflict and the promotion of violence and depraved trends” on social media.

Three other major digital platforms — microblogging site Weibo, short-video app Kuaishou and lifestyle app Xiaohongshu — were also sanctioned by the CAC in September for alleged failures in content governance. The regulator said measures would include summonses for questioning, temporary bans on correcting violations, warnings and tough penalties for those responsible, without providing further details on the punishments. 

By Khagan Isayev