CHINA TOPIX

03/29/2024 06:34:00 am

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Communists Tighten Censorship of Mobile Messaging in China

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(Photo : reuters.com)

China's communist government has imposed tougher censorship on mobile messaging services.

The State Internet Information Office late last week announced new rules that further control the sharing of "unauthorized" political news and data.

Remaining anonymous online is forbidden. Users with public accounts including organizations, celebrities and companies are required to register using their real names.

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State-run news agency Xinhua said users are also required to sign a contract promising to "obey the law and uphold the socialist system."

The restrictions also seek to halt the posting or reposting of political news and current affairs without the approval of government.

The new regulations cover all the instant messaging service but the main focus is on popular Chinese web messenger, WeChat or Weixin.

Communist Chinese authorities are suspicious of social media sites that let the users spread information and opinions that reflect negatively on communism.

China Daily, the state-run newspaper, said the Communist Party believes well-known internet users could actually steer public opinion against communism. The communists regard this as a potential serious threat.

The tougher censorship rules will also help the communists "clean up the online environment and rein in rumormongers."

The communists also confirmed they had blocked South Korean-owned instant messaging services KakaoTalk and Line over terrorism.

Communists said the Korean instant messaging services have been inaccessible in China for several weeks.

Many social media users have reacted angrily to the heightened censorship. They even mocked the Chinese government and its motives.

Murong Xuecun, a famous Chinese blogger and a novelist, said the motive has nothing to do with slander and rumors.

"The real reason is there's lots more freedom of speech and public information online these days, and that's a fatal blow to a regime built on lies," said Xuecun.

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