Beijing enforces 30-day social media ban on Tencent QQ’s Mini World for exposing minors to sexual content
On Wednesday, the Chinese Cyberspace Regulatory Commission imposed a 30-day suspension on Tencent's mobile messaging platform QQ for displaying graphic sexual content to minors
Highlights
- Tencent’s QQ accepts the fine imposed by state media and pledges to implement required modifications
- QQ Mini World's video and image feed service has remarkable success and user engagement
- The CAC has been very strict in the past in maintaining regulations and standards
Tencent, a 24-year-old Chinese tech giant, has been accused by China’s cyberspace egulator (CAC) of hiding "a large quantity of pornographic information" in the Mini World section of its platform.
According to the CAC, some users in the comments section encourage minors to make fake friends, use seduction techniques, recruit and play games with minors which violates minor’s rights and interests, and put their lives at risk.
The CAC imposed a fine of 1 million RMB (about $187,000) on Tencent, and also froze the company's operations and imposed fines. The CAC also announced that it would confiscate any related illegal gains.
Platform rectification campaign
According to state-run media, Tencent QQ has accepted the fine and promised to make the necessary changes. It is currently undergoing a full-scale rectification campaign.
QQ will make technological improvements to improve its overall performance. It aims to refine its reporting and inspection processes to ensure a safer online environment.
The developments regarding QQ's rectification campaign and its commitment to change were reported by the state-sponsored media outlet, China Daily.
Mini world targets youth market
Mini World is a video and live streaming segment within QQ designed to attract and engage the younger generation.
According to the Chinese publication Tech World, Mini World is similar to TikTok and also offers short-form videos. However, unlike TikTok, Mini World is part of QQ. It actively encourages users to create and share videos and images, extending beyond their existing friend circle.
The majority of Mini World's users are under the age of 35, and 70 percent of the users are between the ages of 25 and 34. This demographic segmentation is in line with the platform's objective of targeting the youth market.
CAC’s commitment
The CAC is committed to taking action on violations of laws relating to minors. This is a long-term commitment to protect the safety and interests of young people in the online space.
The CAC also intends to step up its law enforcement efforts as the government intends to address issues related to minor abuse more efficiently and quickly.
