On August 19, 2013, Guangming Daily published a commentary promoting “Seven Bottom Lines” on the Internet innitiated by National Internet Information Office of the PRC. The new Internet policy requires all websites and Internet users stop spreading "rumors" and expressing "negative feelings" on the Internet and strengthen their "sense of self-discipline" and their "consciousness of the bottom lines." Netizens in China have the responsibility to protect China’s existing social system and national interests. According to the article, Internet users in China must adhere to the "seven bottom lines," which are: 1) the law and regulations; 2) the socialist system; 3) the national interest; 4) citizens’ legitimate rights and interests; 5) the social and public order; 6) morality; 7) the information’s authenticity.
Guangming Daily is an official newspaper of the PRC covering ideology, theory, and culture for intellectuals; it is under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party.
Source: Guangming Daily, August 19, 2013
http://epaper.gmw.cn/gmrb/html/2013-08/19/nw.D110000gmrb_20130819_2-02.htm