Nation to further tackle online rumors

Authorities in China will maintain their vigilance and ensure there are effective countermeasures to contain and eradicate the spread of online rumors, with a special focus on beefing up inspection of internet platforms to guarantee a cleaner and more orderly cyberspace environment, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

Recalling achievements in a recent campaign against rumors, Zhang Junbing, an official from the ministry's cybersecurity protection department, told a news conference on Friday that false information, along with internet trolls and cyberbullying, have been named as a major target to be combated in the following months.

"We will also strengthen inspections of internet platforms and accounts, with heavier punishment of those making or spreading false information, in order to clean up the online environment and protect people's legitimate rights by eliminating the breeding ground for rumors and cutting the chain of transmission," Zhang said.

In April, the ministry launched a 100-day nationwide campaign to fight online rumors, "as false information, especially those cases of social significance that go viral online, have seriously disrupted public order and have been frequently complained about among residents", said Sun Jinfeng, another official from the department.

Data released by the ministry on Friday showed that more than 2,300 cases of making or spreading rumors have been resolved so far, with the removal of 705,000 fake messages and the closure of over 21,000 illegal accounts.

Police have also punished internet platforms about 8,000 times with warnings and fines, urging them to shoulder the responsibility of guaranteeing cybersecurity and maintaining order in cyberspace, Sun said.

"Some people were found to have made use of hot issues or breaking news to falsify information in order to attract views and attention, while some were discovered to have taken advantage of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence or hacking, to tamper with websites and post fake content," Zhang said.

"In addition, we also found that some internet users falsify information about the security of students or schools, as well as disasters, to disrupt social order and cause panic," he said.

While stressing that the internet is not a place outside the law, both the officials called on more people to join the fight against online rumors, and suggested that netizens enhance their awareness of this issue in order to better protect themselves in cyberspace.