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China has announced a sweeping two-month social media crackdown, with regulators vowing to tackle harmful online content, including incitement of conflict and promotion of “negative outlooks on life.” The campaign underscores Beijing’s tight grip on digital platforms as it pushes for a more controlled online environment.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) revealed the plan on Monday, stressing that social media platforms must take stronger responsibility for moderating their content. According to the notice, posts considered subversive, vulgar, pornographic, or generally harmful will be targeted during the campaign.
The announcement followed a series of penalties earlier this month against major platforms accused of neglecting content management. On Saturday, the CAC stated that micro-blogging site Weibo and short video app Kuaishou would face “disciplinary and punitive measures” for amplifying celebrity-driven news and other “undesirable” material.
Similarly, on September 11, action was taken against Xiaohongshu, also known as Rednote, an Instagram-like app popular among young users. While the regulator has not specified the exact penalties for the three platforms, it emphasized that stricter enforcement would be applied throughout the campaign.
Crackdown Targets Online Conflict and Divisive Narratives
The two-month crackdown, with no specific start date disclosed, is aimed at reducing “malicious incitement of conflict and the promotion of violence and vicious currents.” The regulator also highlighted issues such as exploiting social topics to push narratives tied to identity, gender, or region, which authorities say stigmatize groups and fuel divisions.
Other targets include online rumors related to the economy, finance, welfare, and public policy. In late 2023, Weibo had already urged users not to share “pessimistic” views about China’s economic situation.
The CAC further warned against “maliciously interpreting social phenomena” and exaggerating negative cases to spread ideas like “world-weariness.” Such trends are often linked to the “lying flat” and “letting it rot” mindsets, popular among Chinese youth rejecting grueling work culture in favor of easier lifestyles.
Officials say the effort aims to create a more “civilized and rational” online space, reinforcing the government’s broader goal of strict digital governance.
