China's internet regulator has launched a new campaign to clean up the comments sections on websites to prevent the spread of what it calls harmful information and to encourage what it considers more helpful, well-intentioned comments to appear.
The Chinese government already exercises widespread controls over the internet and has sought to codify that policy in Law.
In a statement late on Tuesday, the Cyberspace Administration of China said the crackdown on comments sections was aimed at tackling "outstanding problems".
Deputy head of the administration, Ren Xianliang, was quoted as saying in a statement that they wanted to carry out a large-scale "cleanse" of the comments sections and make it easier for people to report illegal or harmful content.
Online media must make sure their stories are not simply "clickbait" and that they fulfil their responsibilities to society and make sure they properly control online comments to "allow the internet to better benefit the people", Ren added.
