China urges self-regulation for "we-media"

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China has further stepped up efforts to create a sound cyberspace environment by ordering an overhaul of "we-media" accounts, which refer to online news sources operated by individuals or collectives, who are often amateurs.

During a meeting with the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) on Wednesday, such platforms, including Baidu, Tencent, Sina, Toutiao, Sohu, NetEase, toutiao.uc.cn, yidianzixun.com, Phoenix and Zhihu were urged to conduct a thorough self-examination and fully assume responsibilities in generating healthy content for users.

"We-media" accounts refer to online news sources operated by individuals or collectives, who are often amateurs. /VCG Photo

All of the platforms were required to carry out an immediate investigation into "we-media" accounts and crack down on content featuring vulgarity, pornography, clickbait, rumor-mongering, illicit marketing, content theft, illegal advertisements, and other behaviors that disrupt cyber safety and violate the law.

Cooperation is needed among platforms to take on these accounts, the administration urged, in case the banned accounts on one platform "revive" on other platforms.

Executives from these platforms say they will carry out comprehensive screening and rectification of their "we-media" accounts as well as enforce relevant Internet laws and regulations.

Over 9,800 "we-media" accounts have been handled in accordance with laws and regulations since October 20.

"We-media is by no means outside the law…and should never become a way for some people and enterprises to make huge profits in violation of the law," said CAC.

The administration states that it will continue to strengthen the inspection and supervision of "we-media" platforms together with relevant departments, to foster a sound growth environment for "we-media" in order to ensure the healthy development of the industry.

(Top image: It's very common to see people reading on their mobile phones in China. /VCG Photo)