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China’s internet censorship
ChinaPolitics

China’s internet watchdog promises to boost protections for private firms

  • Cyberspace Administration of China says priorities include advancing the online business environment and protecting enterprise and entrepreneur rights
  • Social media accounts producing information about public health, legal matters and education will be labelled and subjected to strict review

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The Cyberspace Administration of China says it will guide websites and platforms on how to inspect content and accounts and promptly remove information identified as rumour or an infringement of entrepreneurs’ privacy. Photo: Bloomberg
Vanessa Caiin ShanghaiandBen Jiangin Beijing
China’s top internet regulator has pledged to crack down on online rumours and information breaches violating the rights of private companies as Beijing signals better protection for the private sector while striving to revive the economy.
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The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC)’s work priorities this year include optimising the online business environment and protecting the rights of enterprises and entrepreneurs, CAC deputy director Niu Yibing told a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday.
The latest campaign from the country’s internet watchdog comes as the party’s top leadership makes economic recovery a priority and promises better support for the private sector following its twice-a-decade major leadership transition this month.

02:52

China's 'two sessions': Premier Li Keqiang emphasises achievements, economy in final work report

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Premier Li Qiang has pledged support for entrepreneurs and the private sector, while vice-premier Ding Xuexiang told the China Development Forum on Sunday that the country would continue to expand market access.

Shen Yue, director of the CAC’s illegal information reporting centre, told the press conference false or inaccurate information emerged from time to time about private enterprises and entrepreneurs.

Shen said this damaged a brand’s image, affected production and operations and caused economic losses and reputational damage for entrepreneurs. The country’s central leadership was “very concerned” about these problems, she said.

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The campaign will target misinformation, including offenders who fabricate facts and make subjective assumptions, according to Shen. It takes aim at people who violate entrepreneurs’ rights through defamation and insult and targets illegal use of an entrepreneur’s name or image.

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