31 misbehaviours of livestreamers banned in China

China's top media and culture authorities have jointly revised the guidelines on livestreamers on 22 June 2022, banning 31 different types of misbehavior including publishing content that subverts state power, endangers national security and damaging the dignity of the country.

The revised regulations released by China's National Video and Television Administration and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on 22 June 2022, suggests 31 kinds of unacceptable behaviours of livestreamers. According to the guidelines, livestreamers should not publish content that violates the basic principles established by the constitution and violates national laws and regulations.

Prohibited contents include those that subvert state power, endanger national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, endanger national security, leak state secrets, and damage the dignity, honor and interests of the country. Information that weakens, distorts, or denies the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the socialist system, and reform is also banned.

Apart from that, publishing content that allegedly smear Chinese culture, historic figures and national heroes, and hyping sensitive issues is also prohibited, in a move to promote a healthy cyberspace amid public calls for more regulation due to wrongdoings in the booming industry. 

The 31 misbehaviours also include damaging the public image of specific occupations and groups such as the People's Liberation Army, the police, judges, etc.

The revised norms, which have 18 articles in total, also suggested that online performances, online audio-visual platforms, and brokerage agencies must strictly perform their statutory duties and obligations, and implement their main responsibilities such as strengthening the education and training, daily management and normative guidance of network anchors.

Agencies should also establish and improve internal rules and regulations such as the entry of network anchors, training, daily management, business scoring files, as well as providing positive incentives for online hosts who are positive and follow the code of conduct.Artists who violate the law and violate morality will also not be provided with the opportunity to publicly perform literary and artistic performances or make sound appearances.

Recently, the Cyberspace Administration of China also revised rules governing mobile apps and their distributing platforms, which will take effect from 1 August 2022.   According to the statement on its website, the regulations established by the authority prohibit mobile app providers and distribution platforms to use apps to conduct activities that endanger national security, disrupt social order, and infringe on the legitimate rights and interests of others. Apps with functions that could possibly influence public opinion will need to seek security inspection.

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