China has implemented stricter regulations regarding the operation of commercial websites' local branches. (Photo : Getty Images)
Chinese authorities have stepped up efforts on curbing news reporting malpractices made by commercial websites.
Under the new notice posted by the Cyberspace Administration of China on its website on Monday, only commercial sites that have already been given licenses to report news will be allowed to put up local sections for their reports. However, the sites are still required to apply for approval from the CAC's provincial-level office with jurisdiction over the particular branch.
The branches only have one month after the release of the notice to get approval, else they will be shut down, the Global Times reported.
Provincial branches are also allowed to reprint news coming from the main branch, the notice further said.
According to Sun Yat Sen University's School of Communication and Design director Zhang Zhian, the new regulation was made in response to the proliferation of fake news posted by the local branches of these sites.
Hang said that the problem was due to some of these sites outsourcing their local branches to other companies which, in turn, posted incorrect or fake information, or used it to attack and blackmail other companies.
Authorities shut down 387 local branches of commercial sites last year for spreading false information.
Meanwhile, the CAC also strengthened its cybersecurity efforts by joining up with Indonesia's National Cyber Information Defense and Security (NCIDS), Tempo.co reported.
NCIDS expert staff Muchlis Ahmady said that the new agreement is part of the two countries' long-standing knowledge-sharing program.
Muchlis said that the agreement will cover different sectors. First is joint cooperation, while the second one is about information and communication technology strategies that are designed to develop the parties' cybersecurity awareness for decision-making. The third sector will focus on capacity building, while the final one is going to be concerned with research in the field.
The officer said that the program will help a lot in enhancing China's and Indonesia's cyberspace crisis management capabilities.
