China’s People’s Daily calls for prompt punishment to battle fake Internet traffic

The Communist Party mouthpiece says online platforms should work with the government to eradicate fake clicks and views. China recently issued new rules banning the artificial inflation of Internet traffic, but experts say enforcement remains a challenge. — SCMP

Chinese state newspaper People’s Daily has renewed calls for internet platforms to join forces with relevant government departments to clean up fake online traffic, a challenge that tech companies have long struggled with.

An opinion piece published on Wednesday accused “water armies” – Internet accounts bought to generate traffic – of disrupting fair competition and eroding social trust in cyberspace.