Watchdog warns microblogs

Operators ordered to be ‘more responsible’ with content

BEIJING: China’s top Internet watchdog released a regulation, ordering microblog operators to take more responsibility to ensure the safety of online information.

The regulation, issued by the Cyberspace Administration of China, aims to provide a safer cyber environment for people and prevent them from being harmed by illegal or improper information.

It will come into effect on March 20. It stipulates that microblogging service providers or operators should set up a clear management system, use safe technical measures and qualified employees to run the platforms.

Meanwhile, they should sign contracts with microbloggers to clarify duties and responsibilities of each other to ensure the information safety, according to it.

A mechanism to figure out and fight online rumours is a must, and microblog operators are also ordered to respond quickly and have an emergency system when finding untrue content spreading online, it said.

Besides, a timely and effective reporting channel for netizens to provide clues is necessary for micro blog operators, it added.

On Saturday, Sina Weibo, one of China’s most popular social media and Chinese Twitter-like platform, was ordered by Beijing’s internet watchdog to suspend its “hot” rankings for failing to stop the spread of illegal content.

The authority issued a week-long ban on the microblog operator, accusing it of promoting improper materials uploaded by users, including ethnic discrimination and pornography. — China Daily / Asia News Network