China Issues Content Warnings to Kuaishou and Weibo

The Cyberspace Administration of China has ordered both platforms to rectify trending list violations and improve content oversight.

China’s Cyberspace Administration (CAC) has formally reprimanded live-streaming service Kuaishou and social media platform Weibo for lapses in content moderation. In separate statements released Saturday, the regulator cited repeated violations involving trending topics that promoted celebrity gossip and trivial personal updates. Disciplinary actions include summoning company representatives, issuing official warnings, and mandating corrective measures within a defined timeframe. Both platforms acknowledged the criticism and announced the formation of internal task forces to address the concerns.

Regulatory Focus on Trending Content

The CAC emphasized that Kuaishou and Weibo failed to uphold their core responsibility of managing public content. Trending lists on both services frequently featured material deemed inappropriate or misleading, according to the regulator. Authorities expressed concern that such content undermines the integrity of online discourse and distracts from more substantive issues. The platforms were instructed to revise their algorithms and improve editorial oversight to prevent future violations.

Parallel Investigation into E-Commerce Practices

The warning to Kuaishou followed closely on the heels of another regulatory action targeting its e-commerce subsidiary, Kuaigou. China’s market watchdog launched an investigation into the unit for suspected breaches of national e-commerce laws. Although details remain limited, the inquiry signals broader scrutiny of digital platforms operating in multiple sectors. Regulators appear to be coordinating efforts to enforce compliance across both content and commercial domains.

Platform Responses and Broader Implications

In public statements, both Kuaishou and Weibo expressed a willingness to cooperate and pledged to improve internal governance. The timing of the CAC’s announcement, coming just one day after the e-commerce probe, suggests a concerted push to tighten control over China’s digital ecosystem. These developments reflect a growing emphasis on platform accountability, especially in areas where entertainment and commerce intersect. Analysts expect further regulatory actions as authorities continue to refine standards for online content and business conduct.