Chinese authorities accused Weibo microblogging service of placing inappropriate content

Beijing. January 29. Silkroadnews -  Chinese authorities accused Weibo microblogging service of posting inappropriate content, Channel News Asia reported
“Chinese authorities have ordered a major social media platform to curb “harmful content” more effectively as they intensify oversight of online expression - even taking aim at rap music, crude cartoons, dirty jokes and celebrity gossip. The campaign is intended not just to stamp out dissent but to ensure that all media “serves the direction of socialism”,” the report said.
According to the authorized agency’s statement, Sina Weibo has not complied with the requirement to prohibit the placement of harmful content, allowing users to post inappropriate content, obscenities, low taste and materials showing signs of ethnic discrimination.
It is noted that the company “has violated the country’s laws and regulations, led online public opinions to wrong direction and left a very bad influence.”
It was also reported that a blogger was fined 200,000 yuan ($31,000) for posting “misinformation” about meetings between corporations and regulators in WeChat messenger.
“Earlier in January, social media began circulating a government order apparently issued to Chinese broadcasters banning them from giving air time to “artists with tattoos, hip hop music” and other performers who are “in conflict with the party’s core values and morals”,” the publication reads.
As punishment for Weibo’s refusal to follow the party line, the regulatory authorities have demanded a week-long shutdown of the site’s offending features, including one that allows users to pay to ask celebrities questions, as well as a function to search trending topics.