The Cyberspace Administration of China rolled out new regulations last week banning 11 online activities to prevent the spread of rumours and posts that incite public anger or discrimination.
The prohibited content includes posts fabricating topics to confuse the public, spreading fake or speculative information, maliciously collecting and rehashing negative information or recycling old news to mislead the public. The Provisions on the Management of Multichannel Distribution Services for Internet Information Content will take effect on September 1. The regulations also ban minors under 16 from hosting live streams, while those between 16 and 18 must undergo age verification and obtain parental or guardian consent. The Cyberspace Administration of China said these online tactics were often used to incite public emotion, stir up social antagonism or trigger regional discrimination and division.