China imposes new rules to restrict independent online content creators

China is now home to 940 million Internet users, a population larger than than that of Europe and nearly triple that of the US, according to recently released data. More than 99% of those users access the Web via mobile, meaning that self-media accounts have become increasingly important information outlets. — AP

LOS ANGELES: China has this week imposed its tightest restrictions to date on the publication of original content online via short video and “self-media” accounts, in the latest escalation of its ongoing crackdown on public discourse.

The country’s Internet watchdog, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), has issued new regulations requiring bloggers, influencers and content creators on public social media accounts, known as “self-media”, to possess a government-issued credential in order to publish anything on a host of topics, which came into effect on Feb 22. Other social media categories such as trending charts, hot search lists, push notifications and short video platforms will also be impacted. The CAC did not, however, provide detail on what kind of punishment will be doled out for violators.