The Chinese government in 2017 issued seven rules for censoring the internet that was rather broad and vague in scope. In continuation, the Chinese government has now taken drastic steps in limiting what they term “illegal” content. Released in a piece of podcast news by the local Chinese government on August 27, the notice lists the following ten rules that all online users must observe:
1. Do not share sensitive political information
2. Do not believe in rumours and do not post/share them
3. Do not send internal information to outsiders
4. Do not send threatening information related to [above point]
5. Do not share information related to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan before it is released by the government
6. Do not share information related to the military
7. Do not share documents related to state secrets
8. Do not collect all kinds of unverified news reports
9. Do not send all kinds of photos and videos of various [government officials]
10. [All] must abide by the law
These are particularly targeted at online groups having ten or more members. Members not following the above will be prosecuted according to the new rules. Failure to follow the above and posting/sharing of “illegal” information that “harms the nation and the Chinese Communist Party” will result in fixed-term imprisonment of one to eight years.
This comes in close proximity to the Chinese government announcing a reward of 300,000 yuan (approx. US$ 44,000 / £34,000) for reporting illegal online content. This will increase the restrictions on the freedom and expression of Tibetans, as well as infringing their right to privacy and their contact with the outside world.
Print
Email