China: Cyberspace Administration of China launched special clear and bright campaign rectifying the problems of malicious instigation of negative emotions

On 22 September 2025, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) launched a two-month nationwide special clear and bright campaign rectifying the problems of malicious instigation of negative emotions. The campaign aims to address the deliberate incitement of confrontation, the promotion of violence and hostility, and other forms of harmful sentiment online. It applies to social media platforms, short video services, and livestreaming platforms, with inspections covering topics, rankings, recommendations, barrage comments, and comment sections. The focus areas include provocation of group conflict based on identity, region, or gender. They also include manipulation of entertainment and sporting debates to spark confrontations among fan groups. Other areas of concern are fabrication and circulation of false information relating to disasters, emergencies, the economy, finance, or public policy. The campaign also targets the creation of false personas that generate anxiety about employment, marriage, or education. It seeks to address online violence through staged disputes, livestreamed fights, or violent content. Finally, it examines the amplification of pessimistic sentiment using memes, emoticons, or trending search terms. The CAC instructed local authorities to step up investigations and enforcement, sanction platforms, accounts, and MCN organisations that violate the rules, and ensure corrective measures are implemented. It also encouraged the public to report and resist malicious attempts to instigate negative emotions.