China gives green light for five-year plan to cut digital red tape, ‘meaningless labour’

Cyberspace regulator aims to improve efficiency by reducing excessive formalities and duplication across government apps and social media. Directive follows warnings from China’s president that digital bureaucracy is increasing workloads for grass-roots officials. — SCMP

China’s cyberspace regulator has launched a long-term campaign to cut down on red tape and excessive formalities across government apps and social media.

The directive was issued on Monday by the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission (CCAC), the Communist Party oversight body that sits at the top of the State Council’s Cyberspace Administration, which was set up to manage internet-related issues.