China bans 11 online creator activities, restricts minors

China has implemented strict new regulations for online content creators, banning 11 specific activities including fabricating topics to confuse the public, spreading fake or speculative information, and recycling old news to mislead audiences. The Cyberspace Administration of China announced the rules last week, stating they aim to prevent the spread of rumors and posts that could incite public anger, antagonism, or social discrimination. The regulations, taking effect September 1, also prohibit minors under 16 from hosting live streams, while those between 16 and 18 must undergo age verification and obtain parental consent. The CAC specifically cited tactics often used to incite public emotion, stir up social antagonism, or trigger regional discrimination and division. Meanwhile, social media executives are pushing back against government efforts to regulate platforms. Rose Wang, chief operating officer of Bluesky, warned at SXSW in London that heavy regulation risks strengthening Big Tech's dominance and limiting access for smaller players. Wang, whose platform has grown to 43 million users compared to X's estimated 450 million, said she supports protecting youth but questions the long-term cost of compliance-heavy regulation that could make it impossible for smaller entrants to compete. This comes as Australia became the first country to enforce a blanket social media ban for teens under 16 in December, with platforms including Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X, and Reddit required to implement age verification methods, setting a precedent that countries including the United Kingdom, Spain, France, and Austria are now following. Singapore has taken action against divisive online content, ordering social media platforms to block access to 14 posts targeting the Indian community that suggested the country was being overrun by Indians. The Ministry of Home Affairs said investigations showed the content likely originated from a platform based in China and constitutes an offense under Section 298A of the Penal Code for promoting enmity between different racial groups. Law Minister Edwin Tong said there is currently no evidence these posts were part of a coordinated campaign by any government, adding that investigations indicate the content was likely generated organically by foreign citizens. The government urged Singaporeans to be discerning when consuming and sharing information online and to reject attempts to divide society.