The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) recently announced the deletion of approximately 1.4 million social media posts in response to a comprehensive two-month investigation into various issues, including misinformation, illegal profiteering, and impersonation of state officials. The CAC’s efforts were part of a broader campaign aimed at rectifying cyberspace activities.
In a statement released on Friday, the CAC revealed that it had successfully closed down 67,000 social media accounts and removed hundreds of thousands of posts between March 10 and May 22. These measures were implemented to promote a cleaner and more controlled online environment. China has been actively targeting billions of social media accounts since 2021, with the objective of enhancing regulatory oversight.
The recent crackdown primarily focused on popular Chinese social media platforms such as WeChat, Douyin, and Weibo, specifically targeting accounts categorized as “self media.” This term broadly refers to accounts that publish news and information independently, without being government-run or state-approved.
In an ongoing effort to maintain strict control over information flow, the Chinese government often detains individuals and censors accounts that share or distribute sensitive or critical content related to the Communist Party, the government, or the military. This particularly occurs when such information gains widespread attention and becomes viral.
The CAC’s actions reflect China’s commitment to combating misinformation and illicit activities in the online sphere. By undertaking these measures, the country aims to foster a more regulated and secure digital landscape while ensuring compliance with established guidelines.
