Beijing (TDI): In a robust effort to safeguard minors online, China’s cyberspace watchdog has reported the removal or blocking of over 4.3 million pieces of harmful content since launching a special campaign in mid-July.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has also taken action against more than 130,000 accounts and shut down over 2,000 websites and platforms involved in disseminating illegal material targeting young users.
The campaign specifically targets “toxic videos” that endanger minors’ physical and mental well-being.
These videos, which include livestreams and short clips, are noted for promoting dangerous behaviors or spreading harmful messages.
The CAC highlighted alarming examples, such as violent adaptations of popular children’s animations, including a “bloody version of My Little Pony” and “Peppa Pig attacked by a crazy old granny,” according to Chinese media reports.
Some videos have been criticized for altering children’s songs with vulgar language, propagating detrimental values.
Also Read: China’s Living Standards Rise Over 75 Years
To ensure stricter oversight, the CAC has instructed major platforms to enhance content review standards concerning minors.
The initiative has already led to the suspension of over 21,000 related accounts and the shutdown of more than 32,000 livestreams.
The watchdog has also addressed critical issues such as doxxing—where personal information is maliciously disclosed to incite online violence—targeting minors specifically.
Also Read: China’s Key Projects Make Headway
Reports of minors’ names, school details, and social media accounts being revealed have prompted concerns about inciting harassment.
Regional cyberspace authorities, including those in Beijing, Henan, and Guizhou provinces, have closed over 1,500 online topics and forums associated with these illegal activities.
Intensified Crackdown on Cyber Obscenity
Moreover, the CAC has intensified its crackdown on cyber obscenity, where perpetrators exploit short-video platforms to engage with underage users and solicit private photos for illicit purposes.
Authorities in Tianjin and Guangdong have dismantled more than 1,000 online groups and collaborated with local security forces to manage over 70 related cases.
In a further effort to protect minors, the CAC has removed more than 42,000 products sold online that violated regulations concerning young users, shut down over 1,400 online shops, and eliminated around 900 mobile applications from app stores for breaching minors’ rights.
