Chinese cyberspace regulators have recently cracked down on several high-profile internet personalities for violating online content rules. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) disclosed details of the enforcement actions on December 3, targeting accounts involved in inciting social divisions, promoting distorted values, and polluting the digital environment.
1. **Inciting Social Divisions** The account "Hu Chenfeng" was permanently banned across platforms for long-term dissemination of divisive content, including fabricated labels such as "Android people" and "Apple people." Hu constructed a narrative framing iPhone users as an "elite class" (driving Teslas, shopping at Sam’s Club) while labeling Android users as an "underclass" (buying domestic goods, visiting local markets). Experts criticized this rhetoric as deliberately stoking conflict for commercial gain.
2. **Promoting Toxic Values** Accounts like Guo Meimei’s "Guo May努力努力" were shut down for glorifying wealth-worship. Guo, previously jailed for illegal gambling and selling harmful food, resumed flaunting luxury lifestyles post-release in 2023. Other penalized accounts (e.g., "Ayuki_888," "周熙凯XK") similarly promoted materialism.
3. **Polluting Online Spaces** Weibo account "Lan Xi" was suspended for sharing overseas pornographic content, while Douyin streamer Zhang Xuefeng faced restrictions for persistent profanity during livestreams—despite a prior 28-day ban for misconduct.
4. **Repeat Offenders Evading Bans** Some penalized influencers, like tax-evading streamer "王子柏," attempted to reopen new accounts. Platforms were ordered to strengthen vetting to prevent such "shell-rebirth" practices.
**Regulatory Upgrades** The CAC’s "Qinglang" campaign has intensified scrutiny over malicious online behaviors, including AI misuse and fake news. A revised Cybersecurity Law, effective January 2026, will impose stricter penalties on platforms failing content moderation duties. Experts highlight a shift toward "through-regulation"—proactive oversight replacing reactive penalties—to cleanse China’s digital ecosystem.
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