Communist Party rebukes China’s internet watchdog for ‘lax’ control over cyberspace
Discipline inspectors say the Cyberspace Administration failed to swiftly enforce Xi Jinping’s policies to further tighten control of cyberspace on the mainland
China’s internet regulator has been strongly criticised by Communist Party inspectors for failing to act determinedly and quickly to enforce President Xi Jinping’s policies on controlling cyberspace.
The stern criticism from the party’s top discipline watchdog came after officers conducted a month-long inspection of the Cyberspace Administration from early March to early April.
Ning Yanling, the head of the inspection team, said the internet regulator had “for a period not carried out general secretary Xi Jinping’s important instructions and requirements resolutely and promptly enough”, according to a statement on the website of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.
It was also criticised for lacking “a sense of political responsibility” and failing to implement the central leadership’s major decisions and policies on cyberspace in a satisfying manner.
The report did not elaborate on which of Xi’s instructions or requirements the office had failed to meet, nor did it specify what policies it had not fulfilled.
Xi, who heads a central leading group on cybersecurity and information, chaired a high-level meeting attended by officials and internet tycoons in April last year calling for the construction of a “good online ecology” through strengthening the government’s role in restricting content, directing public opinion and technical development to ensure China’s cybersecurity.