As online addiction emerges as a major problem of the modern world, China's internet overseer on Wednesday laid out regulations that seek to prevent minors from spending too much time on their smartphones.

The move, as per Bloomberg, can be a potential blow to Tencent Holdings Ltd and other social media leaders in the country.

<h2>Harsh restrictions&nbsp;</h2>

Reportedly, the regulations released by the Cyberspace Administration of China represent some of the harshest restrictions globally.

As per the draft of rules published on the overseer's website, one main provision limits "non-adult" children from accessing the internet using mobile devices between 10 pm and 6 am. Furthermore, mobile usage time for children between the ages of 16 and 18 has been limited to a maximum of two hours.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/time-to-become-spy-china-asks-public-to-join-nations-fight-against-espionage-621771">Time to become spy: China asks public to join nation's fight against espionage</a>

Additionally, platforms will have to promote lullabies for children under three years of age and educational news and entertainment content to those under 12.

"To strengthen protection of minors, in past years, the CAC has continued to push the construction of an internet model for youths, expanded its reach, improved its functions and enriched age-appropriate content," said the agency as per Bloomberg.&nbsp;

"They've had a positive impact in lessening youth internet addiction and curbing the impact of undesirable information."

The agency is currently seeking public feedback on the regulations, which based on it may change.&nbsp;

<h2>Ensuring compliance</h2>

To ensure compliance, the agency has specified measures like periodic checks and assessments, as well as on request access to both data and technology.&nbsp;

As per the regulator, platform providers will be responsible for the enforcement of CAC's requirements. However, it is yet to specify penalties for violations.

Following the announcement of these rules, Chinese technology shares in Hong Kong, as per Bloomberg, were down in the late afternoon. Short video service Kuaishou Technology's shares slid by about four per cent, Weibo Corp/ value fell by five per cent, while Tencent shed more than three per cent of its value.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/time-to-become-spy-china-asks-public-to-join-nations-fight-against-espionage-621771">Time to become spy: China asks public to join nation's fight against espionage</a>

The move is part of a broader campaign. Since 2021, Beijing has taken steps to alleviate minors and their families from what it sees as social ills. Previously, China imposed limits on online gaming for children and also declared for-profit after-school tutoring illegal.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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As online addiction emerges as a major problem of the modern world, China's internet overseer on Wednesday laid out regulations that seek to prevent minors from spending too much time on their smartphones.

As online addiction emerges as a major problem of the modern world, China's internet overseer on Wednesday laid out regulations that seek to prevent minors from spending too much time on their smartphones. The move, as per Bloomberg, can be a potential blow to Tencent Holdings Ltd and other social media leaders in the country. Harsh restrictions Reportedly, the regulations released by the Cyberspace Administration of China represent some of the harshest restrictions globally. As per the draft of rules published on the overseer's website, one main provision limits "non-adult" children from accessing the internet using mobile devices between 10 pm and 6 am. Furthermore, mobile usage time for children between the ages of 16 and 18 has been limited to a maximum of two hours. Also read | Time to become spy: China asks public to join nation's fight against espionage Additionally, platforms will have to promote lullabies for children under three years of age and educational news and entertainment content to those under 12. "To strengthen protection of minors, in past years, the CAC has continued to push the construction of an internet model for youths, expanded its reach, improved its functions and enriched age-appropriate content," said the agency as per Bloomberg. "They've had a positive impact in lessening youth internet addiction and curbing the impact of undesirable information." The agency is currently seeking public feedback on the regulations, which based on it may change. Ensuring compliance To ensure compliance, the agency has specified measures like periodic checks and assessments, as well as on request access to both data and technology. As per the regulator, platform providers will be responsible for the enforcement of CAC's requirements. However, it is yet to specify penalties for violations. Following the announcement of these rules, Chinese technology shares in Hong Kong, as per Bloomberg, were down in the late afternoon. Short video service Kuaishou Technology's shares slid by about four per cent, Weibo Corp/ value fell by five per cent, while Tencent shed more than three per cent of its value. Also read | Time to become spy: China asks public to join nation's fight against espionage The move is part of a broader campaign. Since 2021, Beijing has taken steps to alleviate minors and their families from what it sees as social ills. Previously, China imposed limits on online gaming for children and also declared for-profit after-school tutoring illegal. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Mobile phone bans: China frames strict internet rules to curb online addiction among minors

China's Cyberspace Administration has announced the deletion of 1.4 million social media posts as part of a two-month investigation into various issues, including misinformation, illegal profiteering, and impersonation of state officials.&nbsp;

The probe, which was part of a broader "rectification" campaign, resulted in the closure of 67,000 social media accounts and the removal of hundreds of thousands of posts between March 10 and May 22.

<h2>China's clean-up campaign and 'self-media'</h2>

China has been implementing measures since 2021 to "clean" its cyberspace, targeting billions of social media accounts in order to enhance control over online platforms.&nbsp;

The recent crackdown as per a Reuters report specifically focused on popular Chinese social media apps such as WeChat, Douyin, and Weibo, with a particular emphasis on "self-media" accounts — characterised as those that publish news and information, but are not government-operated or state-approved.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-no-joke-chinas-backlash-against-stand-up-stirs-fear-of-comedy-clampdown-594402">No joke: China's backlash against stand-up stirs fear of comedy clampdown</a>

<h2>The accounts impacted by this rectification campaign</h2>

Out of the 67,000 permanently closed accounts, nearly 8,000 were taken down for spreading fake news, rumours, and harmful information.

Approximately 930,000 other accounts faced less severe penalties, ranging from losing all followers to suspension or cancellation of profit-making privileges.

Additionally, the regulator conducted a separate campaign that closed over 100,000 accounts, targeting those allegedly misrepresenting news anchors and media agencies to combat the rise of fake news facilitated by artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

The Cyberspace Administration of China revealed that around 13,000 counterfeit military accounts were targeted during the recent campaign, featuring names like "Chinese Red Army Command," "Chinese Anti-terrorist Force," and "Strategic Missile Force."&nbsp;

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Furthermore, 25,000 accounts were targeted for impersonating public institutions such as disease prevention and control centres and state-run research institutes.

Moreover, almost 187,000 accounts faced repercussions for impersonating news media organizations, while over 430,000 were flagged for providing professional advice or educational services without the necessary qualifications.&nbsp;

A further 45,000 accounts were closed for engaging in activities such as "hyping hot issues, clout-chasing and illegal monetisation."

<h2>Citizen participation</h2>

The Cyberspace Administration said that it had actively collaborated with public security and market supervision departments to&nbsp;tackle illegal "self-media."&nbsp;

It encouraged citizens to&nbsp;participate in monitoring and reporting such accounts.

"At the same time, (we) also call on the majority of netizens to actively participate in monitoring and reporting (illegal 'self-media'), provide clues ... and jointly maintain a clean cyberspace."

The Chinese government, as per Reuters, frequently detains individuals' and censors' accounts that share or publish factual information deemed sensitive or critical of the Communist Party, the government, or the military, especially when such content goes viral.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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China's Cyberspace Administration has announced the deletion of 1.4 million social media posts as part of a two-month investigation into various issues, including misinformation, illegal profiteering, and impersonation of state officials.

China's Cyberspace Administration has announced the deletion of 1.4 million social media posts as part of a two-month investigation into various issues, including misinformation, illegal profiteering, and impersonation of state officials. The probe, which was part of a broader "rectification" campaign, resulted in the closure of 67,000 social media accounts and the removal of hundreds of thousands of posts between March 10 and May 22. China's clean-up campaign and 'self-media' China has been implementing measures since 2021 to "clean" its cyberspace, targeting billions of social media accounts in order to enhance control over online platforms. The recent crackdown as per a Reuters report specifically focused on popular Chinese social media apps such as WeChat, Douyin, and Weibo, with a particular emphasis on "self-media" accounts — characterised as those that publish news and information, but are not government-operated or state-approved. Also read | No joke: China's backlash against stand-up stirs fear of comedy clampdown The accounts impacted by this rectification campaign Out of the 67,000 permanently closed accounts, nearly 8,000 were taken down for spreading fake news, rumours, and harmful information. Approximately 930,000 other accounts faced less severe penalties, ranging from losing all followers to suspension or cancellation of profit-making privileges. Additionally, the regulator conducted a separate campaign that closed over 100,000 accounts, targeting those allegedly misrepresenting news anchors and media agencies to combat the rise of fake news facilitated by artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The Cyberspace Administration of China revealed that around 13,000 counterfeit military accounts were targeted during the recent campaign, featuring names like "Chinese Red Army Command," "Chinese Anti-terrorist Force," and "Strategic Missile Force." Also read | Pope Francis returns to duties following day off due to fever and exhaustion Furthermore, 25,000 accounts were targeted for impersonating public institutions such as disease prevention and control centres and state-run research institutes. Moreover, almost 187,000 accounts faced repercussions for impersonating news media organizations, while over 430,000 were flagged for providing professional advice or educational services without the necessary qualifications. A further 45,000 accounts were closed for engaging in activities such as "hyping hot issues, clout-chasing and illegal monetisation." Citizen participation The Cyberspace Administration said that it had actively collaborated with public security and market supervision departments to tackle illegal "self-media." It encouraged citizens to participate in monitoring and reporting such accounts. "At the same time, (we) also call on the majority of netizens to actively participate in monitoring and reporting (illegal 'self-media'), provide clues ... and jointly maintain a clean cyberspace." The Chinese government, as per Reuters, frequently detains individuals' and censors' accounts that share or publish factual information deemed sensitive or critical of the Communist Party, the government, or the military, especially when such content goes viral. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

67,000 accounts shut, 1.4 million social media posts deleted in China's latest crackdown on free speech

The Chinese government has shut down more than 100,000 fake news social media accounts as it intensifies efforts to clean up the internet of false news and rumours.

The Chinese government has shut down more than 100,000 fake news social media accounts as it intensifies efforts to clean up the internet of false news and rumours. According to a report by the news agency Reuters early Thursday (May 18), the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said that it wiped 107,000 accounts of counterfeit news units and news anchors and 835,000 pieces of fake news information since April 6. The cleanup is part of the CAC's special campaign to clean up online information, focusing on social media accounts which disseminate fake news and impersonate state-controlled media. The CAC encouraged internet users to provide any leads on counterfeit news and anchors. Using AI to mislead public The regulator's review found accounts that disguised themselves as authoritative news media by falsifying news studio scenes and imitating professional news presenters, using artificial intelligence (AI) to create anchors to mislead the public. The fake news identified by the CAC covered issues such as social incidents and international current affairs The CAC further said it would guide online platforms to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the majority of internet users to obtain authoritative and real news. This major fake news clean-up comes after the regulator vowed to crack down on malicious online comments that damaged the reputation of businesses and entrepreneurs. ALSO READ | China makes first ChatGPT arrest after man allegedly generates fake news of train crash Countries around the globe including China are grappling with an onslaught of fake news online coverage, with many implementing laws to punish those involved in such activities. However, news dissemination on Chinese social media is already heavily controlled with platforms favouring hashtags produced by the state media while censoring those on issues or incidents that the government considers sensitive, Reuters reported. New AI products in China required to undergo security assessment On April 11, the CAC announced that new AI products developed in China would be required to undergo a security assessment before being released and must reflect core socialist values. "Before providing services to the public that use generative AI products, a security assessment shall be applied for through national internet regulatory departments," the CAC said, adding that AI-generated content must not contain among other things, "terrorist or extremist propaganda", "ethnic hatred" or "other content that may disrupt economic and social order." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China shuts down over 100,000 fake news social media accounts

China's new rules for content providers that alter facial and voice data will take effect from January 10, its cyberspace regulator said, as it looks to more tightly scrutinise so-called "deepfake" technology and services.

The regulations from the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) issued late on Sunday provide for people to be protected from being impersonated without their consent by deepfakes - images that are virtually indistinguishable from the original, and easily used for manipulation or misinformation.

The CAC said the move was aimed at curbing risks that might arise from activities provided by such platforms that use deep learning or virtual reality to alter any online content, what the regulator calls "deep synthesis service providers", and to also promote the industry's healthy development.

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China's new rules for content providers that alter facial and voice data will take effect from January 10, its cyberspace regulator said, as it looks to more tightly scrutinise so-called "deepfake" technology and services.

China's new rules for content providers that alter facial and voice data will take effect from January 10, its cyberspace regulator said, as it looks to more tightly scrutinise so-called "deepfake" technology and services. The regulations from the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) issued late on Sunday provide for people to be protected from being impersonated without their consent by deepfakes - images that are virtually indistinguishable from the original, and easily used for manipulation or misinformation. The CAC said the move was aimed at curbing risks that might arise from activities provided by such platforms that use deep learning or virtual reality to alter any online content, what the regulator calls "deep synthesis service providers", and to also promote the industry's healthy development.

China's rules for "deepfakes" to take effect from January 10

According to reports, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) in a new draft has asked internet platforms to hire content moderators to review all user comments and filter out harmful content before&nbsp;online publication.

The proposed guidelines reportedly include all types of comments including those that appear in videos. The controversial move which is being seen as a move to curb free speech is open for feedback until July 1.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/china-may-be-spying-through-software-embedded-in-coffee-maker-warns-expert-488564">Also Read:&nbsp;China may be spying through software embedded in coffee maker, warns expert</a>

The restrictions also include real-time comments and replies made by users on the net. The CAC has demanded content moderation teams to be appointed by internet platforms which "matches the scale of their service" as China continues to clamp down on the internet inside the "Great Firewall".&nbsp;

The regulators had earlier issued guidelines to review user comments for news content.

Watch:&nbsp;&nbsp;In China, a ban on the word 'lockdown'

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Punishment for not adhering to the new rules includes fines, warnings and even suspension of the comment feature or the entire service, reports claim.

The draft rule stipulates social media users will have to register with their real identities and if rules are violated the user may be barred from commenting or could be asked to delete comments with harsher measures in place which include account suspension and deactivation.

In another development, Chinese authorities on Wednesday issued new rules for online anchors to "maintain the right tone in political orientation, public communication and actively embody core socialist values". The new protocols apply to live streamers&nbsp;who have become increasingly popular in the country.

The live streamers have been asked to obtain&nbsp;"professional qualifications" before they broadcast their programme online with restrictions placed on education, law, health and finance categories.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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According to reports, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) in a new draft has asked internet platforms to hire content moderators to review all user comments and filter out harmful content before online publication.

According to reports, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) in a new draft has asked internet platforms to hire content moderators to review all user comments and filter out harmful content before online publication. The proposed guidelines reportedly include all types of comments including those that appear in videos. The controversial move which is being seen as a move to curb free speech is open for feedback until July 1. Also Read: China may be spying through software embedded in coffee maker, warns expert The restrictions also include real-time comments and replies made by users on the net. The CAC has demanded content moderation teams to be appointed by internet platforms which "matches the scale of their service" as China continues to clamp down on the internet inside the "Great Firewall". The regulators had earlier issued guidelines to review user comments for news content. Watch: In China, a ban on the word 'lockdown' Punishment for not adhering to the new rules includes fines, warnings and even suspension of the comment feature or the entire service, reports claim. The draft rule stipulates social media users will have to register with their real identities and if rules are violated the user may be barred from commenting or could be asked to delete comments with harsher measures in place which include account suspension and deactivation. In another development, Chinese authorities on Wednesday issued new rules for online anchors to "maintain the right tone in political orientation, public communication and actively embody core socialist values". The new protocols apply to live streamers who have become increasingly popular in the country. The live streamers have been asked to obtain "professional qualifications" before they broadcast their programme online with restrictions placed on education, law, health and finance categories. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Now, China wants to review all social media comment

New York's Nasdaq is all set to see its first initial public offering by a Chinese company in seven months.

According to the New York Stock Exchange's online IPO hub, healthcare supplies maker Meihua International Medical Technologies is on track this week to price its debut share sale.

A security review of all platform companies before they list overseas is needed as per the new rules of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC).

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Chinese firms raised $12.8 billion in the United States in the first seven months of last year, but the deals halted after the New York debut of Didi Global in late June triggered a regulatory backlash by Beijing. That brought tighter scrutiny for all offshore listings.

Some smaller Chinese companies are now reviving efforts to sell shares in the United States, confident they are not targeted by the new rules seeking to block offshore listings by firms handling large amounts of data or posing national security risks.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission has stepped up its supervision of Chinese companies listed overseas, including reviews of their cybersecurity.

SEC Chair Gary Gensler is especially critical of Chinese businesses that use shell companies to get around Chinese rules blocking foreign ownership for their industries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/didi-to-delist-from-new-york-stock-exchange-after-chinese-regulator-pressure-433722">Also read |&nbsp;Didi to delist from New York Stock Exchange after Chinese regulator pressure</a>

Under these deals, the Chinese business forms a shell company in the Cayman Islands or somewhere else. The shell company then sells its stock to investors after listing in New York.

The shell company has no ownership of the Chinese company. Instead, it has service contracts with it. These arrangements are called variable interest entities, or “VIEs.”

“I worry that average investors may not realize that they hold stock in a shell company rather than a China-based operating company,” Gensler said.

"I think both US and Chinese regulators hope legitimate, law-abiding companies like us can grow bigger and stronger through listings," Zhang Jiulin, chairman of insurance broker Hengguang Holding Co.

His company filed a draft IPO prospectus on Jan 18 with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), aiming to raise up to $19.6 million via its Nasdaq listing later this year.

Zhang brushed aside concerns that tighter Chinese control of cross-border data transfer will hamper the firm's U.S. listing, saying Hengguang did not collect sensitive individual customer data.

Apart from the new IPO applications, more than a dozen Chinese companies have also amended IPO papers this year, SEC filings showed.

"Market participants are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel," said Ming Liao, founding partner of private equity firm Prospect Avenue Capital. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

New York's Nasdaq is all set to see its first initial public offering by a Chinese company in seven months. According to the New York Stock Exchange's online IPO hub, healthcare supplies maker Meihua International Medical Technologies is on track this week to price its debut share sale.

New York's Nasdaq is all set to see its first initial public offering by a Chinese company in seven months. According to the New York Stock Exchange's online IPO hub, healthcare supplies maker Meihua International Medical Technologies is on track this week to price its debut share sale. A security review of all platform companies before they list overseas is needed as per the new rules of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC). Chinese firms raised $12.8 billion in the United States in the first seven months of last year, but the deals halted after the New York debut of Didi Global in late June triggered a regulatory backlash by Beijing. That brought tighter scrutiny for all offshore listings. Some smaller Chinese companies are now reviving efforts to sell shares in the United States, confident they are not targeted by the new rules seeking to block offshore listings by firms handling large amounts of data or posing national security risks. The US Securities and Exchange Commission has stepped up its supervision of Chinese companies listed overseas, including reviews of their cybersecurity. SEC Chair Gary Gensler is especially critical of Chinese businesses that use shell companies to get around Chinese rules blocking foreign ownership for their industries. Also read | Didi to delist from New York Stock Exchange after Chinese regulator pressure Under these deals, the Chinese business forms a shell company in the Cayman Islands or somewhere else. The shell company then sells its stock to investors after listing in New York. The shell company has no ownership of the Chinese company. Instead, it has service contracts with it. These arrangements are called variable interest entities, or “VIEs.” “I worry that average investors may not realize that they hold stock in a shell company rather than a China-based operating company,” Gensler said. "I think both US and Chinese regulators hope legitimate, law-abiding companies like us can grow bigger and stronger through listings," Zhang Jiulin, chairman of insurance broker Hengguang Holding Co. His company filed a draft IPO prospectus on Jan 18 with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), aiming to raise up to $19.6 million via its Nasdaq listing later this year. Zhang brushed aside concerns that tighter Chinese control of cross-border data transfer will hamper the firm's U.S. listing, saying Hengguang did not collect sensitive individual customer data. Apart from the new IPO applications, more than a dozen Chinese companies have also amended IPO papers this year, SEC filings showed. "Market participants are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel," said Ming Liao, founding partner of private equity firm Prospect Avenue Capital. (With inputs from agencies)

New York poised for first IPO by Chinese company in seven months after regulatory crackdown

China has vowed to ''purge'' the internet ahead of the Lunar New Year and Winter Olympics.

The announcement has been made by the Cyberspace Administration of China, which aims to &nbsp;create a "healthy, happy, and peaceful online environment."

The move expands the crackdown on the internet sector in China, as regulators seek to strengthen data privacy and consumer rights and curtail anti-competitive practices in order to curb the outsized influence of technology companies.

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China's cyber regulatory body issued draft rules governing mobile apps, including a requirement for security reviews of apps whose functions could influence public opinion.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">The proposed regulations are part of its campaign run to increase oversight of the country's tech companies.</div>

The proposals will require application providers to carry out a security assessment before launching "new technologies, new applications, and new functions" capable of influencing opinion or mobilising the public.

The regulator added that mobile app providers must not conduct activities that endanger national security, or force users to share non-essential personal information.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-year-china-went-rogue-on-itself-will-crackdowns-hamper-economic-growth-439871" hreflang="en">The year China went rogue on itself: Will crackdowns hamper economic growth?</a>

The CAC said it would focus on cyberbullying and the spreading of online rumours, as well as any online behaviours that could be considered to be showing off lavish lifestyles, encouraging the worship of money or superstition.

It will also strictly prevent "illegal and immoral" celebrities from holding any online events that could help them make a comeback, it added.

The fanfare ahead of next month's Beijing's Winter Olympics is building in China but President Xi Jinping appeared to play down focus on the medals table.

"I don't care how many gold medals Chinese athletes win this time, I care more about the motivation and vitality it will inject into us in the future," Xi told visiting International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach on Tuesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

China has vowed to ''purge'' the internet ahead of the Lunar New Year and Winter Olympics. The announcement has been made by the Cyberspace Administration of China, which aims to create a "healthy, happy, and peaceful online environment.

China has vowed to ''purge'' the internet ahead of the Lunar New Year and Winter Olympics. The announcement has been made by the Cyberspace Administration of China, which aims to create a "healthy, happy, and peaceful online environment." The move expands the crackdown on the internet sector in China, as regulators seek to strengthen data privacy and consumer rights and curtail anti-competitive practices in order to curb the outsized influence of technology companies. China's cyber regulatory body issued draft rules governing mobile apps, including a requirement for security reviews of apps whose functions could influence public opinion. The proposed regulations are part of its campaign run to increase oversight of the country's tech companies. The proposals will require application providers to carry out a security assessment before launching "new technologies, new applications, and new functions" capable of influencing opinion or mobilising the public. The regulator added that mobile app providers must not conduct activities that endanger national security, or force users to share non-essential personal information. Also read | The year China went rogue on itself: Will crackdowns hamper economic growth? The CAC said it would focus on cyberbullying and the spreading of online rumours, as well as any online behaviours that could be considered to be showing off lavish lifestyles, encouraging the worship of money or superstition. It will also strictly prevent "illegal and immoral" celebrities from holding any online events that could help them make a comeback, it added. The fanfare ahead of next month's Beijing's Winter Olympics is building in China but President Xi Jinping appeared to play down focus on the medals table. "I don't care how many gold medals Chinese athletes win this time, I care more about the motivation and vitality it will inject into us in the future," Xi told visiting International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach on Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Ahead of Lunar New Year and Winter Olympics, China vows to 'purge' internet

China's main internet watchdog has found that 33 mobile phone apps have broken data privacy rules by collecting data without consent, among other issues.

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), in a statement on its official website, identified map apps, those used for instant messaging and others with more functions, such as the downloading of emojis.

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The CAC said the programmes collected data without consent, more information was collected than needed for operational purposes and that data was not deleted or revised in accordance with regulations.

Companies have 10 days to comply with the rules or face a fine.

Beijing has been clamping down on the country's vast “platform economy”, used for a whole range of e-commerce activities from banking to food delivery.

The crackdown started with last year’s shelving of Ant Group’s $37 billion IPO and has expanded across the sector, battering companies' share prices.

(With inputs from agencies)

China's main internet watchdog has found that 33 mobile phone apps have broken data privacy rules by collecting data without consent, among other issues. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), in a statement on its official website, identified map apps, those used for instant messaging and others with more functions, such as the downloading of emojis.

China's main internet watchdog has found that 33 mobile phone apps have broken data privacy rules by collecting data without consent, among other issues. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), in a statement on its official website, identified map apps, those used for instant messaging and others with more functions, such as the downloading of emojis. The CAC said the programmes collected data without consent, more information was collected than needed for operational purposes and that data was not deleted or revised in accordance with regulations. Companies have 10 days to comply with the rules or face a fine. Beijing has been clamping down on the country's vast “platform economy”, used for a whole range of e-commerce activities from banking to food delivery. The crackdown started with last year’s shelving of Ant Group’s $37 billion IPO and has expanded across the sector, battering companies' share prices. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese internet watchdog says 33 mobile apps broke data privacy rules

Telegram, a popular encrypted messaging app, will allow users to cloak their telephone numbers to safeguard <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/million-march-huge-hong-kong-protest-against-china-extradition-law-225733">Hong Kong protesters against </a>monitoring by authorities, according to a person with direct knowledge of the effort.

The update to Telegram, planned for release over the next few days, will allow protesters to prevent mainland Chinese and Hong Kong authorities from discovering their identities in the app's large group chats.

Hong Kong's Security Bureau told Reuters it has "been acting responsibly to deal with the current difficult time with a view to restoring the public order".&nbsp;

It declined to comment about whether it had tried to identify protesters by using the Telegram app.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-violated-one-country-two-systems-bottom-line-china-foreign-ministry-237656">China’s Foreign Ministry</a>, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) and the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside of business hours.

Thousands of Hong Kong protesters take their cues from more than 100 groups on Telegram, according to protest organisers and supporters.

Protesters use encrypted apps like Telegram to mobilize swiftly through multiple group chats, with less risk of police infiltration, an in-depth report published by Reuters earlier this month said.

The groups are used to post everything from news on upcoming protests to tips on dousing tear gas canisters fired by the police to the identities of suspected undercover police and the access codes to buildings in Hong Kong where protesters can hide.

Some protesters expressed concern that authorities could use the movement's reliance on Telegram to monitor and arrest organisers.&nbsp;

Telegram chat groups used to organise public protests are often accessible to anyone and participants use pseudonyms.

Telegram allows users to search for other users by uploading phone numbers.&nbsp;

This function allows a new user to quickly learn whether those in a phone's contact book are already using the app, the group said.

Some protesters say they believe Chinese or Hong Kong security officials have exploited the function by uploading large quantities of phone numbers.&nbsp;

Reuters was unable to determine if this has occurred.

The app automatically matches phone numbers with the user names in the group. Authorities then only need to request the owners of the phone numbers from the local telecom service to learn the users' true identities.

Telegram has detected evidence that Hong Kong or mainland Chinese authorities may have uploaded numbers to identify protesters, said the person with direct knowledge of the situation.&nbsp;

But it is unclear whether authorities have successfully used this tactic to locate protesters.

Telegram did not respond to a request for comment.

A group of Hong Kong engineers who posted their findings on an online forum earlier this month also said that a feature in Telegram's design may have allowed mainland Chinese orHong Kong authorities to learn the real identities of users.

The fix Telegram is working on would allow users to disable matching by phone number.

&nbsp;That option represents a balance between making it easy for users to find their contacts and the privacy needs of those who rely on the app for protection against state security agents, the source said.

But wide adoption of the optional security setting would make the app far harder to use for the vast majority of its more than 200 million consumers, who rely on uploading phone contacts to identify friends and family members on the app, the source said.

In June, Telegram chief executive Pavel Durov said the messaging service experienced a “state actor-sized” cyber attack and pointed to China as its likely country of origin.

He provided no further details but said the attack coincided with protests in Hong Kong. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) did not respond to a faxed request for comment at the time.

The move by Telegram comes as Hong Kong police arrested a number of prominent activists and three lawmakers on Friday. Nearly 900 people have been arrested since the demonstrations began three months ago.

Telegram, a popular encrypted messaging app, will allow users to cloak their telephone numbers to safeguard Hong Kong protesters against monitoring by authorities, according to a person with direct knowledge of the effort.

Telegram, a popular encrypted messaging app, will allow users to cloak their telephone numbers to safeguard Hong Kong protesters against monitoring by authorities, according to a person with direct knowledge of the effort. The update to Telegram, planned for release over the next few days, will allow protesters to prevent mainland Chinese and Hong Kong authorities from discovering their identities in the app's large group chats. Hong Kong's Security Bureau told Reuters it has "been acting responsibly to deal with the current difficult time with a view to restoring the public order". It declined to comment about whether it had tried to identify protesters by using the Telegram app. China’s Foreign Ministry, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) and the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside of business hours. Thousands of Hong Kong protesters take their cues from more than 100 groups on Telegram, according to protest organisers and supporters. Protesters use encrypted apps like Telegram to mobilize swiftly through multiple group chats, with less risk of police infiltration, an in-depth report published by Reuters earlier this month said. The groups are used to post everything from news on upcoming protests to tips on dousing tear gas canisters fired by the police to the identities of suspected undercover police and the access codes to buildings in Hong Kong where protesters can hide. Some protesters expressed concern that authorities could use the movement's reliance on Telegram to monitor and arrest organisers. Telegram chat groups used to organise public protests are often accessible to anyone and participants use pseudonyms. Telegram allows users to search for other users by uploading phone numbers. This function allows a new user to quickly learn whether those in a phone's contact book are already using the app, the group said. Some protesters say they believe Chinese or Hong Kong security officials have exploited the function by uploading large quantities of phone numbers. Reuters was unable to determine if this has occurred. The app automatically matches phone numbers with the user names in the group. Authorities then only need to request the owners of the phone numbers from the local telecom service to learn the users' true identities. Telegram has detected evidence that Hong Kong or mainland Chinese authorities may have uploaded numbers to identify protesters, said the person with direct knowledge of the situation. But it is unclear whether authorities have successfully used this tactic to locate protesters. Telegram did not respond to a request for comment. A group of Hong Kong engineers who posted their findings on an online forum earlier this month also said that a feature in Telegram's design may have allowed mainland Chinese orHong Kong authorities to learn the real identities of users. The fix Telegram is working on would allow users to disable matching by phone number. That option represents a balance between making it easy for users to find their contacts and the privacy needs of those who rely on the app for protection against state security agents, the source said. But wide adoption of the optional security setting would make the app far harder to use for the vast majority of its more than 200 million consumers, who rely on uploading phone contacts to identify friends and family members on the app, the source said. In June, Telegram chief executive Pavel Durov said the messaging service experienced a “state actor-sized” cyber attack and pointed to China as its likely country of origin. He provided no further details but said the attack coincided with protests in Hong Kong. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) did not respond to a faxed request for comment at the time. The move by Telegram comes as Hong Kong police arrested a number of prominent activists and three lawmakers on Friday. Nearly 900 people have been arrested since the demonstrations began three months ago.

Messaging app Telegram moves to protect the identity of Hong Kong protester

Chinese court on Tuesday jailed the former chief internet regulator, Lu Wei, for 14 years, having found the once <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-missing-interpol-chief-accepted-bribes-170167">influential official guilty </a>of taking bribes worth almost $5 million.

Lu, one of the numerous senior officials caught up in President Xi Jinping's sweeping anti-graft campaign, had already been expelled from the ruling Communist Party, which tightly controls the courts.

At the height of his influence, Lu, a colourful and often brash official by Chinese standards, was seen as emblematic of pervasive internet controls, although his downfall has not brought a reversal of those policies.

The court, in the eastern city of Ningbo, said in a statement that Lu had accepted the verdict and would not appeal.

Lu, 59, pleaded guilty in October after prosecutors had accused him of abusing his power in various government posts over 15 years, including as the head of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC).

Between 2002 and 2017, he received illicit assets from government units or individuals worth more than $4.77 million, the court said in the statement.

He had "shown repentance" and "actively returned" most of the money and property, it added.

Reuters could not reach Lu in jail to seek comment, and it is unclear who acts as his lawyer.

Lu worked his way up through China's official Xinhua news agency before becoming head of propaganda in Beijing and then moving to internet work in 2013. He became a deputy propaganda minister after being replaced at the internet regulator.

Under Lu, the regulator did not carry out Xi's instructions in a timely or resolute fashion, China's anti-corruption watchdog has said.

The government blocks websites it deems a challenge to party rule or a threat to stability, from foreign social media platforms and news outlets to sites such as Google's main search engine and Gmail service.

Organisers of China's first World Internet Conference in 2014, set up under Lu to promote Beijing's vision of internet governance, irked foreign tech firms by seeking their agreement on a last-minute declaration on "internet sovereignty".

Tech industry representatives declined to sign, and rights groups condemned it as a bid to undermine internet freedom.

When Lu visited Facebook Inc's U.S. campus in 2014, he was greeted in Mandarin by Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of the social networking site that has long been blocked in China, a Chinese government website has said.

Lu had vociferously defended China's internet curbs.

In 2015, he told reporters: "Indeed, we do not welcome those that make money off China, occupy China's market, even as they slander China's people. These kinds of websites I definitely will not allow in my house."

Chinese court on Tuesday jailed the former chief internet regulator, Lu Wei, for 14 years, having found the once influential official guilty of taking bribes worth almost $5 million.

Chinese court on Tuesday jailed the former chief internet regulator, Lu Wei, for 14 years, having found the once influential official guilty of taking bribes worth almost $5 million. Lu, one of the numerous senior officials caught up in President Xi Jinping's sweeping anti-graft campaign, had already been expelled from the ruling Communist Party, which tightly controls the courts. At the height of his influence, Lu, a colourful and often brash official by Chinese standards, was seen as emblematic of pervasive internet controls, although his downfall has not brought a reversal of those policies. The court, in the eastern city of Ningbo, said in a statement that Lu had accepted the verdict and would not appeal. Lu, 59, pleaded guilty in October after prosecutors had accused him of abusing his power in various government posts over 15 years, including as the head of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC). Between 2002 and 2017, he received illicit assets from government units or individuals worth more than $4.77 million, the court said in the statement. He had "shown repentance" and "actively returned" most of the money and property, it added. Reuters could not reach Lu in jail to seek comment, and it is unclear who acts as his lawyer. Lu worked his way up through China's official Xinhua news agency before becoming head of propaganda in Beijing and then moving to internet work in 2013. He became a deputy propaganda minister after being replaced at the internet regulator. Under Lu, the regulator did not carry out Xi's instructions in a timely or resolute fashion, China's anti-corruption watchdog has said. The government blocks websites it deems a challenge to party rule or a threat to stability, from foreign social media platforms and news outlets to sites such as Google's main search engine and Gmail service. Organisers of China's first World Internet Conference in 2014, set up under Lu to promote Beijing's vision of internet governance, irked foreign tech firms by seeking their agreement on a last-minute declaration on "internet sovereignty". Tech industry representatives declined to sign, and rights groups condemned it as a bid to undermine internet freedom. When Lu visited Facebook Inc's U.S. campus in 2014, he was greeted in Mandarin by Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of the social networking site that has long been blocked in China, a Chinese government website has said. Lu had vociferously defended China's internet curbs. In 2015, he told reporters: "Indeed, we do not welcome those that make money off China, occupy China's market, even as they slander China's people. These kinds of websites I definitely will not allow in my house."

China jails former internet regulator Lu Wei for 14 years over graft

China's cyber watchdog said on Wednesday it had deleted more than 7 million pieces of online information as well as 9,382 mobile apps, and it criticised tech giant Tencent's news app for spreading "vulgar information".

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said in a statement on its website the action was part of a clean-up of unacceptable and harmful information that started this month, adding that it had also shut down 733 websites.

The administration singled out Tencent's Tiantian Kuaibao news app, saying the platform had been ordered to make changes as it had been spreading "vulgar and low-brow information that was harmful and damaging to the internet ecosystem".

Tencent did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The regulator also criticised Huaban, a photo-sharing social network, as having "serious ecosystem problems". Huaban said on its website its online service had been temporarily taken down for upgrades.

Control of the internet has tightened under President Xi Jinping - an effort that has accelerated since 2016, as the ruling Communist Party seeks to crack down on dissent in the booming social media landscape.

In November, the CAC scrubbed 9,800 social media accounts of independent news providers for violations that included spreading politically harmful information and falsifying the history of the Communist Party.

China's cyber watchdog said on Wednesday it had deleted more than 7 million pieces of online information as well as 9,382 mobile apps, and it criticised tech giant Tencent's news app for spreading "vulgar information".

China's cyber watchdog said on Wednesday it had deleted more than 7 million pieces of online information as well as 9,382 mobile apps, and it criticised tech giant Tencent's news app for spreading "vulgar information". The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said in a statement on its website the action was part of a clean-up of unacceptable and harmful information that started this month, adding that it had also shut down 733 websites. The administration singled out Tencent's Tiantian Kuaibao news app, saying the platform had been ordered to make changes as it had been spreading "vulgar and low-brow information that was harmful and damaging to the internet ecosystem". Tencent did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The regulator also criticised Huaban, a photo-sharing social network, as having "serious ecosystem problems". Huaban said on its website its online service had been temporarily taken down for upgrades. Control of the internet has tightened under President Xi Jinping - an effort that has accelerated since 2016, as the ruling Communist Party seeks to crack down on dissent in the booming social media landscape. In November, the CAC scrubbed 9,800 social media accounts of independent news providers for violations that included spreading politically harmful information and falsifying the history of the Communist Party.

China deletes seven million pieces of online information, thousands of apps