On January 31, 2021, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) announced that online self-publishers (also called We Media) must first obtain a “permit” before posting news information. The CAC will implement “review before publishing” management for live streaming and interactive content. It will focus on disruptions of the order on social media platforms that involve self-publishers.
Zhuang Rongwen, Deputy Minister of the CCP Central Propaganda Department and CAC Director pointed out that regardless of the nature of the platform, regardless of the form of communication, they must place a top priority on adherence to the correct political direction.
Earlier, on January 22, 2021, the CAC issued a new regulation to restrict China’s tens of millions of self-publishers on social media platforms even further. The regulation will be effective February 22, 2021. According to the new regulation, public accounts that “provide online news service to the public shall obtain the Internet News Information Permit and other relevant media accreditation.”
Sources:
People.cn, February 1, 2021
http://politics.people.com.cn/BIG5/n1/2021/0201/c1001-32018101.html
Cyberspace Administration of China, January 22, 2021
http://www.cac.gov.cn/2021-01/22/c_1612887880656609.htm