China Strengthens Rules for ‘Self’ Media, With Onus on Platforms to Vet Content

China’s cyberspace regulator released new rules to strengthen the management of media accounts that aren’t government-affiliated or state-approved, requiring internet platforms to bear primary responsibility in qualification reviews and handling violations.

The onus is on websites and platforms to ensure that “self-media” accounts — independent content providers — clearly identify their sources of information when posting about topics such as current affairs, public policy or social issues, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said Monday in one of the 13 regulations issued.