China bans 11 online activities under tighter rules to curb rumours, cyberbullies

China’s top internet watchdog has banned 11 specific online activities under strict new rules for multiplatform content creators taking effect later this year.

Rolling out the new regulations last week, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said they aimed to prevent the spread of rumours and posts that could incite public anger, antagonism or social discrimination.

The prohibited content includes posts fabricating topics to confuse the public, spreading fake or speculative information, “maliciously collecting and rehashing negative information” or “recycling old news to mislead the public”.

The CAC said these online tactics were often used to incite public emotion, stir up social antagonism or trigger regional discrimination and division.

The “Provisions on the Management of Multichannel Distribution Services for Internet Information Content” will take effect on September 1.

The regulations also ban minors under 16 from hosting live streams, while those between 16 and 18 must undergo age verification and obtain parental or guardian consent before entering the field.