China’s cyber police take aim at ‘negative information’ in new internet crackdown

China’s cybersecurity police announced a new campaign on Thursday targeting websites and web applications that spread what they called “negative information” on the internet.

The six-month crackdown officially started this month, according to a notice posted on the Cyberspace Administration of China’s website.

During the clampdown, all websites, mobile phone apps, forums, instant messaging and live-streaming platforms will be vetted for any vulgar and violent content as well as rumours, superstition and information that “fuels hatred, spreads unhealthy lifestyles and pop culture”.

The notice also said that the internet regulator would “hold whoever is responsible accountable” and called on the operators of websites and online platforms to cooperate.

“We will carry out vigorous inspections and close down websites and user accounts that are not in line with the laws and regulations,” the notice said. “The goal is to effectively stem the flow of harmful information and … to encourage a healthy web environment.”

It comes just two months after a major internet crackdown last year, during which about 10,000 privately run blogs were closed and major tech companies such as Tencent and Weibo were affected.