According to the China Internet Network Information Center’s annual report issued on January 16, 2014, there has been an overall decline in the use of such social media as weibo (microblogging), social media websites, and forums. In particular, the number of weibo users declined by 27.83 million users compared to the 2012 end of year statistics. The instant mobile messaging services showed an increase, reaching 532 million users.
According to Sina back in November 2013, it closed about 100,000 weibo accounts because they were in violation of the “seven bottom lines” – the law and regulations, the socialist system, the national interest, citizens’ legitimate rights and interests, the social and public order, morality, and the information’s authenticity.
Sources:
Xinhua, January 16, 2014
http://news.xinhuanet.com/2014-01/16/c_119000678.htm
Radio Free Asia, January 16, 2014
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/meiti/nu-01162014112625.html