First, it will tackle the spread of fake or misleading news, including exaggerated headlines, distorted or fabricated content, and deceptive video or image edits. Another focus will be the misuse of media oversight, where platforms manipulate news production, publication, or deletion to influence search results or extort money from individuals and businesses.
The campaign will also target unauthorized news services, fake news outlets, and those trading or misusing news credentials like internet news service licenses.
A representative from the cyberspace regulator stressed that local cybersecurity departments need to step up their political awareness and leadership to ensure the campaign's success. Platforms will be guided to better categorize public accounts, especially by creating a specific category for "news accounts," and ensuring proper verification before launching them.
Additionally, online platforms offering news services—whether public accounts, apps, or live streams—must display the entity's name and license number clearly. Platforms are also being pushed to refine their algorithms to promote high-quality news from certified sources. Reporting systems to combat illegal activities will be expanded, and prompt investigations into these reports will follow, with public exposure of key cases.
In recent years, China's cyberspace authority has launched several campaigns to address major online issues. This year's efforts include regulating the online space during the Spring Festival, improving the business environment by tackling corporate rights violations, cracking down on illegal external links, and curbing unsavory content on social media. Other initiatives have targeted cleaning up inappropriate content in livestreaming and protecting minors online during school breaks.
Looking forward, the regulator plans to tighten controls on AI-generated and synthesized content by ensuring proper labeling, regulate online language, and address localized content issues as part of its broader 2024 agenda.
