Microblog operators required to correctly handle rumors, false information

BEIJING -- The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) issued a regulation Friday requiring microblog service operators to establish systems to address rumors found on their platforms.

The service providers should take measures to dispel such rumors once they discover false information has been published or spread by their users, the regulation said.

They are also required to play a positive role in promoting economic development, serving the public, and promoting core socialist values.

Moreover, the regulation stressed the implementation of real-name identification for microblog services and required operators to protect the privacy of users' information.

The CAC said in a statement that the regulation is aimed at ensuring the healthy and orderly development of microblogging services, protecting citizens' rights and interests, and safeguarding national security and public interest.

Noting that microblogs have become an important platform for obtaining information, recreation, communication, and exchanges, the statement also pointed out problems such as the spread of pornographic, vulgar, or fraudulent content, and information that advocates ethnic discrimination, pyramid schemes or gambling.

It criticized the service providers for a lack of responsibility and failure to take effective management and technological measures that have given rise to these problems.