China Penalizes 98,000 Self-Media Accounts for Uncited Information

Beijing's relentless drive to control the narrative surrounding domestic and international affairs has led to a sweeping crackdown on online self-media. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has announced the penalization of nearly 100,000 accounts, citing a failure to properly attribute information sources as the primary offense. This move underscores the Communist Party's unwavering commitment to shaping public discourse and ensuring that all information aligns with official narratives.

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Recently, some self-media accounts have 'failed to standardize the marking of information sources when publishing information related to current affairs, misleading public perception, and damaging the online ecosystem.'

The CAC's justification – that these accounts 'misled public perception' by not citing sources for content related to the US-Iran war, public policies, and social events – reveals a deeper concern: the potential for unverified information to challenge state-controlled media. By demanding standardized source labeling and prohibiting 'fictionalized portrayals' without clear disclaimers, the authorities aim to curb the spread of content that could foster dissent or 'negative emotions.' This is particularly relevant for topics concerning sensitive domestic issues like agriculture, education, and elder care, where accurate, state-sanctioned information is deemed crucial.

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The CAC stated that accounts such as 'Jin Shuo' and 'Junwu-Shi Ji,' which were involved in international current affairs information such as the US-Iran war but did not mark the information source, have been 'dealt with according to law and agreement.'

From Taiwan's perspective, as reported by Liberty Times, this action by the CAC is another example of Beijing's tightening grip on information freedom. While China frames this as a necessary measure to combat misinformation and maintain internet order, it is viewed here as a systematic effort to silence independent voices and control the flow of information. The broad scope of the crackdown, targeting everything from geopolitical commentary to depictions of rural life, highlights the pervasive nature of censorship in mainland China. The emphasis on 'preventing group confrontation' and 'negative narratives' suggests a fear of any content that might deviate from the Party's prescribed view of social harmony and national progress. This contrasts sharply with the relatively open media environment in Taiwan, where diverse viewpoints, even critical ones, are generally permitted.

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The CAC said that self-media accounts such as 'Farmer Sister' and 'Tsinghua Fish Mom' published information related to public policies in fields such as agriculture, rural areas, education, and elderly care without marking the information source.