China to crack down harder on internet freedom from 1 October
28 Aug 2017
China is cracking down even harder on internet freedom, with the country's top internet censor announcing a new set of regulations (link via Google Translate) aimed at eliminating posts by anonymous users on internet forums and other platforms. The rules will be enforced by the Cyberspace Administration of China starting 1 October.
Under the new regulations, it will be the responsibility of service providers to request and verify real names from users when they register. They will also be required to immediately report illegal content to the authorities.
Tech firms, including Baidu, Alibaba and Tencent, are facing increased pressure to serve as the government's gatekeepers ahead of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party this fall, which is expected to place new people in several key leadership positions.
Furthermore, a new cybersecurity law that takes effect starting June requires tech companies to store important data on servers within China. While the measure is aimed at protecting sensitive information, it can also make it easier for the government to track internet users.
In addition to announcing its new regulations about anonymous posts, the CAC has also specified the content forbidden from being published online (link and translation via Google Translate), citing a list from a 2000 bill regulating Internet information services in China. According to commentators, the list is so broad that it can cover almost anything.
According to the government the new rules are meant to discourage "false rumors, filthy language and illegal messages."
According to commentators, the timing of the identity requirement, the VPN restriction and other crackdowns (such as an investigation into internet giants for allowing material that "harms the social order") is not coincidental. The ruling party's next national congress is set for later in 2017.
The party has a habit of ramping up censorship around these gatherings to discourage criticism of party policies.
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