China’s Ministry of Public Security has issued new guidelines for online behavior as the country grapples with widespread flooding that has resulted in rising death tolls and missing persons. The directive comes as authorities have been actively deleting social media posts and images documenting the disaster’s impact.
The Cybersecurity Bureau under MPS, which oversees internet speech, released an “Initiative for Maintaining Network Order During Flood Prevention and Disaster Relief” targeting online information sharing during this critical period. The initiative emphasizes that a “positive and healthy internet environment” is essential for building social consensus and supporting disaster relief efforts.
The guidelines present three main requirements for internet users: strengthening legal awareness and ensuring the orderly transmission of information; enhancing prevention capabilities and improving the ability to identify rumors; and fulfilling social responsibilities through active monitoring and reporting.
Citizens are instructed to obtain flood-related information only through “official authoritative platforms and legitimate news media.” The directive explicitly warns against believing, publishing, forwarding, or commenting on any information that hasn’t received official confirmation. Users must carefully verify the reliability of sources and authenticity of content, remaining vigilant against messages that are vague, from unknown sources, or contradict official releases.
The initiative calls for active reporting of “suspected rumors and false information” to relevant platforms or police departments, emphasizing the need to create a “good atmosphere of universal supervision.” Authorities warn that those who deliberately fabricate or spread false disaster-related information will face serious legal consequences.
The guidelines conclude by urging citizens to demonstrate “high self-discipline and rational behavior” to generate “powerful positive internet energy” for flood relief efforts, ensuring false information has “nowhere to hide” while maintaining clarity and tranquility in the online space.
Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), August 2, 2025
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202508020177.aspx