China’s top internet watchdog, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), has launched a sweeping two-month campaign to crack down on online content deemed harmful, including posts it described as promoting “malicious incitement of conflict” and “negative outlooks on life such as world-weariness.”
In a statement on Monday, the regulator said the campaign would focus on “disciplinary and punitive measures” against platforms that fail to properly moderate user-generated content.
Authorities warned against exploiting social issues to stir conflict based on identity, gender, or region, and against spreading rumours related to the economy, finance, or public policy.
The announcement follows recent penalties against major digital platforms. On Saturday, the CAC accused microblogging site Weibo and short-video platform Kuaishou of prioritising celebrity gossip and “undesirable” content, while on September 11, Instagram-like Xiaohongshu (Rednote) was also targeted for neglecting content management duties.
Officials did not specify what punitive measures would be applied.
Among the behaviours flagged by regulators are “maliciously interpreting social phenomena” and “exaggerating negative cases” to spread pessimism. Analysts say this may be a response to youth-driven online cultures such as “lying flat” and “letting it rot,” which openly reject China’s high-pressure work environment.
Authorities have previously taken similar actions to limit public discussion of sensitive topics. In July, local officials in Zhejiang province warned comedians against fuelling gender discord in stand-up routines, underscoring Beijing’s broader effort to control narratives that may unsettle social cohesion.
The CAC said the campaign is designed to “foster a more civilised and rational online environment,” but critics argue the move could further restrict online expression in the country, where digital platforms are already subject to strict government oversight.
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