The Chinese government is placing restrictions on popular instant messaging services, seeking to "help build a clean cyberspace" while safeguarding national security.
Of course, it also tacitly includes keeping people from saying icky things about the government.
Included in this campaign is a requirement that users of instant messaging must use their real names when registering for an account, making them more responsible for the content of their messages. Registrants will also require review by service providers before being allowed to take to the Internet with their content.
The new regulation was passed by the State Internet Information Office (SIIO), and it will take effect immediately. It will primarily impact 5.8 million public accounts on mobile text and voice messaging services
"A few people are using the platforms to disseminate information related to terrorism, violence and pornography as well as slander and rumors," said Jiang Jun, spokesman for SIIO. "Such behaviors have raised bitter feelings among netizens."
The regulation stipulates that "Users shall abide by laws and regulations, the socialist system, national interests, the legitimate rights and interests of citizens, public order, social morality and ensure the authenticity of the information they provide."
There's something in it for everybody, including providers of messaging services, who "shall be responsible for their safe operations, protection of users' personal information and citizens' privacy, be subject to public supervision and handle illegal information in a timely manner."
And for those who are looking forward to committing a crime against the state?
"Should users of such services break the terms, regulators will warn violators, limit their rights to release information, suspend their renewals or even close their accounts, based on the degree of violation."
The new rule is also an effort by the government to "maintain Internet order." Good luck with that. Jiang also commented, "Cyberspace cannot become a space full of disorder and hostility." Have you read Reddit lately?
In a statement that would have done Orwell proud, Xu Feng, head of mobile Internet management at SIIO, said, "The regulation will promote the quality of instant messaging services to ensure that citizens enjoy the convenience of such services. This is the true freedom of speech."
The new rules apply to subscription-based apps that include WeChat and Laiwang. WeChat is owned by Tencent Holdings Ltd. Laiwang is a product of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.
Tencent announced support for the new regulations, as if it had a choice, and noted that it has deleted over 400 accounts and over 3,000 articles that were "spreading rumors."
Similar regulations were imposed on China's microblogging service Sina Weibo in 2012, a Twitter-like service with over 500 million registered users.
