China to step up Internet censorship with stricter rules for social media and streaming sites

Law taking effect on Dec 15 requires site operators and moderators to filter out ‘harmful’ news-related comments or face a range of penalties. Move comes amid growing public anger over China’s strict zero-Covid policy, with many turning to the Internet to vent. — SCMP

Chinese social media and web video platforms must approve all news-related comments before they go online and step up training for censors to keep out “harmful” content, according to new regulations taking effect on December 15.

The new law, an updated and approved version of the 2017 Regulations on the Administration of Internet Post Comment Services, was publicised by the Chinese internet watchdog on Wednesday.