China's internet regulator warns Kuaishou, Weibo over content violations

China's top internet regulator issued warnings and imposed disciplinary measures against live-streaming platform Kuaishou and social media platform Weibo on Saturday, citing failures in content management.

The Cyberspace Administration of China said in two separate statements the actions to be taken include summoning company representatives, issuing official warnings and ordering rectifications within a specified time frame.

According to the CAC, both platforms failed to fulfill their core responsibility of content management, citing the frequent appearance of problematic entries on their main trending lists, particularly those hyping celebrity gossip and trivial personal updates.


In a statement, Weibo said it "takes the matter very seriously" and "sincerely accepts the criticism and disciplinary decisions" from the authorities.

"A special task force was immediately established to carry out rectification work, aiming to address governance issues around the trending list with the highest standards and strictest requirements, and to fully assume responsibility for content management," the company said.

Kuaishou did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The CAC's announcement came a day after China's market watchdog launched an investigation into Kuaishou's e-commerce unit Kuaigou for suspected violations of the nation's ecommerce law.