China on Thursday passed a new rule regulating public accounts on instant messaging services http://www.airmaxfromchinawholesale.com/ , requiring real-name registration for account operators in a bid to crack down on online rumors, libel and illegal information involving pornography and violence.
The regulation, published by the State Internet Information Office (SIIO), is aimed at promoting the "healthy development of instant messaging services" and "safeguarding national security and public interests," it reads. It takes immediate effect.
Among various instant messaging services, WeChat, a popular mobile app developed by Internet technology giant Tencent Cheap Nike Air Max Mens , is considered to be a major target of the regulation. It currently has 5.8 million public accounts after introducing the function in August 2012.
Operators of these public accounts include individuals, government organs, media outlets, social organizations and companies.
The new rule stipulates that operators of public accounts should register with their real names and be put on record with Internet managing authorities after the service provider's review.
It also states that users should keep "seven bottom lines," which include abiding by laws and regulations, the socialist system, national interests Cheap Nike Air Max Womens , the legitimate rights and interests of citizens, public order, social morality and ensure information authenticity.
The real-name registration requirement only applies to public accounts, and they can still customize their account name. Tencent has already been deploying the procedure, requesting registrants to provide a clear picture of them holding their ID card, or provide a business license for organizations, a public relations manager told the Global Times via e-mail.
Another clause in the new rule attracted wide attention Cheap Air Max Mens , as only public accounts operated by media outlets, or those with an Internet news service certificate, can publish or repost political news. Others are not allowed to do so "without approval."
The new rule did not define "political news," while a 2005 Internet news service regulation defines it as "reports and commentaries related to political, economic, military and diplomatic affairs as well as breaking events."
Several public account operators who wrote about political and social affairs reached by the Global Times said they still need to observe the actual implementation, and called for a clearer definition as many accounts publish analysis and commentary on hot topics Cheap Air Max Womens , other than publishing news.
"It will not have a big influence on us as we mainly focus on analysis of macro-economic and public policies. But we will pay special attention, or tone down content related to 'pure politics,' as we did," an operator of Zgtrend, a Guangzhou-based research institute that has a popular WeChat public account, told the Global Times on condition of anonymity.
However, accounts that publish unofficial historical anecdotes and political gossip are expected to be affected which might reduce content variety on the platform.
Fang Xingdong Cheap Nike Air Max Shoes , founder of China's leading high-tech think tank chinalabs, told the Global Times that these public accounts are unlikely to all shut as the rule leaves some leniency and those that provide accurate and positive analysis could be kept going "with approval."