The Chinese government is intensifying efforts to regulate social media through its “anti-self-media” initiative, which targets independently generated content disseminated by netizens not recognized as professional journalists, according to Bitter Winter. Authorities argue that these “self-media” creators mimic mainstream media formats and practices to mislead audiences, in turn undermining the credibility of official narratives and challenging government policies.
In a recent directive, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has called for a comprehensive cleanup of these self-media platforms within a two-month timeframe. The Internet Information Offices, controlled by CCP committees at various levels across provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, will implement this directive. This includes the Internet Information Office specific to the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, paralleling the governance structures within Xinjiang.
Referencing remarks from Xi Jinping, who frequently expresses concern over the perceived chaos online, the directive emphasizes the need to rectify the “self-media chaos.” It outlines strategies to address misinformation propagated by such platforms and insists on maintaining orderly dissemination of online content. To achieve these objectives, social media and other digital platforms are expected to engage in both preventative measures and ongoing oversight of shared content.
The CCP asserts that certain self-media outlets are responsible for fabricating fictitious events, distorting facts, and generating false narratives that can harm the Party’s image. Some of these platforms are said to obscure forbidden topics by inventing historical texts or classical works, further complicating the information landscape.
The directive highlights critical areas where media oversight must be stringent, including public policies, significant economic indicators, major disasters, and contentious incidents. It cautions against misrepresenting facts, distorting interpretations, and creating harmful narratives that could negatively impact the CCP’s reputation and disrupt economic and social stability.
Even verified information could be exploited through what the government describes as “malicious hype,” potentially harming the Party’s interests. Furthermore, reproducing officially sanctioned information can be problematic if accompanied by unauthorized critiques or biased interpretations of government policies regarding highly debated issues.
The emphasis on “hotly debated events” underscores the Party’s awareness of the influence wielded by countless self-media outlets. These platforms have notably provided alternative viewpoints on sensitive topics, such as COVID-19 quarantines and related protests, as reported by Bitter Winter.
