Fourteen major internet platforms have pledged to tackle irrational online posts as well as the issue of tainted entertainers.
The platforms – including Sina Weibo, Tencent Video, QQ music, Douyin and Toutiao – made the pledge as members of the Chinese Association of Performing Arts (CAPA) on Saturday.
Most of the platforms have already launched measures to clean up unhealthy content such as groundless gossip about celebrities and irrational fundraising to support idols, but this is the first time that they have united together to deal with the problems in a more coordinated way.
According to the new CAPA code of conduct, the platforms will strengthen management of entertainment-related accounts, comments and interactive posts. Improper content will be deleted and accounts suspended if they spread groundless rumors and gossip, or if they stir up conflicts between fan groups.
The platforms promised not to work with scandal-hit entertainers – such as Zheng Shuang who has been fined for tax evasion, and pop star Kris Wu who was arrested for rape – and will instead focus on artists with excellent moral integrity.
Although the entertainers’ names cannot be searched for currently, their albums or singles can still be downloaded on some music platforms, but this new pledge aims to solve that problem.
“This will warn entertainers and netizens not to challenge the law and social rules, or they will disappear from cyber space. I hope the measures can give us a fresh and healthy environment to worship real idols and really brilliant works,” a fan of actor Wang Yibo told the Global Times on Monday.
Sina Weibo Photo: VCG
