Beginning next week, the Cyberspace Administration of China will require bloggers and influencers to have a government-approved credential before they can publish on a wide range of subjects. It is unclear to what extent bloggers will be punished if they publish commentary without the credentials. The Cyberspace Administration did not respond to a faxed request. China’s internet watchdog is cracking down further on online speech, issuing a new requirement that bloggers and influencers have a license before they can publish on certain topics. The rule from the Cyberspace Administration of China that goes into effect later this month is shrinking an already highly limited space for discourse amid heavy censorship of sensitive topics and any perceived criticism of the ruling Communist Party.

Source: Egypt Independent February 17, 2021 08:13 UTC