China’s most popular microblogging site is cracking down on what it says is the spread of false rumors after the ruling Communist Party told Internet companies to tighten control over information online.
The move by Sina Corp. reflects the pressure on China’s Internet companies, most of which are privately owned, to take initiative to help Beijing enforce censorship or risk losing the right to operate profitable businesses in a fast-growing market.
Sina’s Weibo service has sent notices to its 200 million users denying two reports posted on the site, including one about the killing of a 19-year-old woman. It said the accounts of users who originated the reports were temporarily closed.
The move comes amid the ruling party’s most sweeping crackdown on dissent in years as it tries to prevent the rise of Middle East-style protests.
The party secretary for Beijing, Liu Qi, visited Sina’s headquarters last Monday and said Internet companies should block the spread of false and harmful information, according to a party newspaper. Liu gave no details of what the party wanted, but Sina issued a statement Thursday saying it would “put more effort into attacking all kinds of rumors.”
About Me
- Marc A. Ross
- Washington, DC, United States
- Marc has an extensive background in business development for companies as well as directing the advocacy operations, communications efforts, fundraising programs and public affairs for nonprofits, corporations and political campaigns for the highest offices in the United States and the United Kingdom. Marc is available for consulting, workshops, panels, interviews, training sessions, advice, commentary and speaking on all things Advocacy 2.0. Marc can be reached via email by sending a note to marc (at) 2ndsix.com or by twitter at @microadvocacy.
