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Writer's picture秘書處

Notice on Strengthening the Management of "Self-Media"

Updated: Aug 24, 2023



In order to strengthen the management of "self-media," consolidate the responsibilities of website platforms in managing information content, establish a normalized management system, and promote the development of a sound online public opinion environment, the following work requirements are hereby announced:


1. Strictly prevent counterfeiting and imitation. Website platforms should strengthen the review of account information during registration, proposed changes to account information, and dynamic verification, effectively preventing counterfeiting and imitation by "self-media." If the account information contains the names or emblems of party, government, military organizations, news media, administrative divisions, etc., manual review is required. If counterfeiting or imitation is found, relevant services shall not be provided.


2. Strengthen qualification certification display. For "self-media" engaged in the production of information content in fields such as finance, education, healthcare, and justice, website platforms should conduct strict verification and display their service qualifications, professional qualifications, professional backgrounds, and other certification materials on the account homepage, with labels indicating the relevant field. For "self-media" without certification or with expired certifications, website platforms should suspend the release of corresponding field-related information.


3. Regulate information source labeling. When releasing related information regarding domestic and international current affairs, public policies, social events, etc., "self-media" should accurately label the information sources and prominently display them when publishing. For self-shot photos and videos, relevant information such as shooting time and location should be marked. For photos and videos generated using technology, it should be clearly indicated that they are computer-generated. When quoting old news or events, the time and place of the event at that time must be clearly stated.


4. Strengthen the management of information authenticity. Website platforms should require "self-media" to take responsibility for the authenticity of the information they publish or reproduce. When "self-media" publishes information, the website platform should display the account name on the information publishing page and not use anonymous users as substitutes. "Self-media" should not fabricate information or distort facts, and should not affect the authenticity of information through editing, synthesis, or other means.


5. Label fictional content or controversial information. If "self-media" publishes content with fictional plots or interpretations, website platforms should require them to label it prominently as fictional or interpreted. It is encouraged for website platforms to label controversial information and limit the distribution of such information.


6. Improve rumor labeling function. For rumors related to public policies, social livelihood, major emergencies, and other fields, website platforms should promptly label them as rumors, place verified information at the top of specific rumor search pages, and recommend debunking information using algorithm-based recommendations to improve the reach and effectiveness of debunking.


7. Regulate account operation behaviors. Website platforms should strictly adhere to the rules of one person per account and allow one enterprise to have two accounts. Individual or corporate manipulation of "self-media" account matrices to disseminate illegal and harmful information is strictly prohibited. "Self-media" should conduct account operation activities in accordance with laws and regulations, and should not aggregate negative information, recycle old news, exploit social hot events, or exploit disastrous accidents. They should not use methods such as preventing disconnection, early attention, or suspense to induce users to follow other accounts. They should be encouraged to produce high-quality information content. Website platforms should strengthen verification of "self-media" account information to prevent the re-registration of closed accounts in accordance with laws and contracts.


8. Clarify the conditions for activating profit-making privileges. "Self-media" applying for profit-making privileges must have no violations within the past three months. If there is a change in the account holder, the website platform should suspend or withhold profit-making privileges for three months from the date of the change. Profit-making methods include but are not limited to advertising revenue sharing, content revenue sharing, e-commerce integration, live streaming donations, appreciation for articles or short videos, knowledge payment, and brand collaboration.


9. Restrict profiting from violations. If the website platform imposes a ban on "self-media" for violating rules, their profit-making privileges should be simultaneously suspended for a period of 2 to 3 times the duration of the ban. For "self-media" that create vulgar personas, violate public order and good customs, engage in malicious marketing by coordinating multiple accounts to exploit social hot events, etc., their profit-making privileges should be canceled or withheld. Website platforms should regularly report to the competent internet information department about restrictions on profit-making privileges for "self-media."


10. Improve measures for managing the number of followers. The website platform should promptly verify and remove any increase in the number of followers resulting from violations.


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