China Cracks Down On “Chinese Propaganda”; Fake News About Military, Foreign Conflicts Face Axe
China has initiated a widespread effort to tackle the escalating issue of fake news, deceptive information, and unfounded assertions circulating across social media platforms, which tarnish the nation’s global image. This campaign specifically aims to regulate misinformation that improperly glorifies China’s military, including unfounded narratives about conflicts in regions like the South China Sea.
According to a recent evaluation by the Cyberspace Administration of China, numerous social media accounts have been purged for fabricating “military fantasy stories.” An example circulated in June described a fictitious 12-hour cyber skirmish between China and the US, allegedly affecting communications in Luzon Island, Philippines. While these accounts sought notoriety, they were promptly identified and eliminated by digital regulators for spreading baseless claims.
Instances have arisen where social media posts have exaggerated China’s technological advancements, such as suggesting that telecom giant Huawei significantly advanced China’s radar capabilities, thus outpacing the US in certain areas. This reflects ongoing tensions given the scrutiny Huawei faces amidst US-China rivalries, with US officials branding Huawei a potential threat due to spying concerns.
In response to these deceptive promotions, authorities have removed accounts that inappropriate invoke the military as a sales gimmick. Listings on prominent e-commerce platforms that falsely label products as having military endorsements have also been targeted.
Chinese regulators sternly oppose the spread of unverified or negative portrayals of the armed forces. Citizens are encouraged to report such content to preserve integrity. The authorities have committed to continued scrutiny of social media accounts publishing incorrect military-related narratives, promising to expose egregious cases openly.
While this move may intensify discussions on the limitations of free speech within China, authorities maintain that their goal is to maintain network reliability and protect the legitimate interests of online users seeking factual news. Media watchdogs aim to cleanse online news of distortions, such as misrepresentations, provocative headlines, and misleading edits.
China’s zealous approach continues with the launch of a new three-month initiative to rectify unlawful online news practices and reinforce the credibility of mainstream media. This includes ensuring proper credentials for news platforms, reducing the manipulation of media oversight, and curbing the creation and dissemination of bogus news content.
To bolster this campaign, local cybersecurity bodies are expected to enhance their vigilance and leadership. Platforms are urged to upgrade their recommendation algorithms to highlight credible news sources. There is also an emphasis on creating channels for reporting illicit activities, with the commitment to investigate swiftly and make findings public when necessary.
The strategic plan released in March outlined objectives for 2024, such as specific online regulatory measures for various cities, regulated language use online, and marking AI-generated content appropriately. This reinforces China’s ongoing resolve to combat misinformation domestically, amid international accusations of engaging in disinformation campaigns.
China’s steadfastness in addressing fake narratives underscores its commitment to maintaining a factual and transparent online environment in the face of ongoing global scrutiny.
