China Policies Affecting Disinformation

Legislation

China has very strict laws against disinformation and implements a high level of control over online activity.

Since 2016 it has been a criminal offense to create or spread misinformation that will "undermine economic or social order".^[1] In addition, social media platforms are responsible for the content posted by users.^[2] Spreading disinformation that seriously disturbs public order through a media platform is punishable by up to seven years in prison.^[3] Social Media users must provide their real names and other identity information to service providers. Additionally platforms may only reprint news by state prescribed news organizations.^[4]

In 2018 the government released an app allowing for citizens to report disinformation. China has rules against criminalizing the publishing and distribution of "fake news" created using AI or virtual reality such as deep fakes.^[5]

See more

National Policies Affecting Disinformation

[1] ttps://www.loc.gov/law/help/social-media-disinformation/china.php

[2] ttps://www.poynter.org/ifcn/anti-misinformation-actions/

[3] ttps://www.loc.gov/law/help/social-media-disinformation/china.php

[4] ttps://www.loc.gov/law/help/social-media-disinformation/china.php

[5] ttps://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-technology/china-seeks-to-root-out-fake-news-and-deepfakes-with-new-online-content-rules-idUSKBN1Y30VU

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