China's cyberspace administration targets vulgar content on Alibaba-owned platforms
China's internet watchdog, the Cyberspace Administration (CAC), has penalised Alibaba's search engine, Quark, and the livestreaming platform, NetEase, for featuring content it considered indecent.
Highlights
- China's regulators penalise Quark and NetEase for vulgar content
- Quark fined 500,000 yuan; NetEase suspends updates for inappropriate content
- CAC cites explicit search results and vulgar live broadcasts, taking action for a cleaner online space
CAC has taken strict action against Alibaba-owned search engine Quark and livestreaming platform NetEase for what it deems vulgar content. This move is part of the Chinese government's ongoing efforts to ensure a cleaner online environment.
Quark faced a fine of 500,000 Yuan (approximately US$68,340), while NetEase was required to suspend updates on a channel specialising in dancing content for seven days. Both companies were instructed to conduct comprehensive rectifications and hold responsible individuals accountable for the content.
Reasons behind the action
The CAC stated that Quark's search results displayed obscene and pornographic information, and it recommended explicit keywords to users. Meanwhile, NetEase was accused of live broadcasting accounts with vulgar language, actions, and pornographic material, as well as linking to such content on its homepage.
Protection of minors & online accountability
The CAC is also taking steps to protect minors from harmful online content, referring to them as "internet natives" who use the internet for education and entertainment. To ensure their safety, platform operators are required to implement features like a kid-friendly mode and designated time windows when potentially upsetting content won't be available to young users.
Additionally, major social media platforms, including WeChat, Doyin, Baidu, and Sina Weibo, have announced that influencers with over 500,000 followers must now use their real names. This measure is intended to increase responsibility among content creators, but it has sparked concerns from critics regarding privacy rights.
China taking action
China is actively enforcing stricter regulations to maintain a safer and more responsible online environment, particularly for its younger users. These actions reflect the government's commitment to monitoring and controlling content that is accessible on digital platforms.
