China's CAC Launches Major Crackdown on Online Content, Banning Influencers and Targeting Subcultures
China's Cyberspace Administration has launched a major crackdown on online content, banning several prominent influencers and targeting specific subcultures. The two-month campaign aims to curb antagonism, violence, and pessimistic sentiments across various online platforms.
The campaign, announced by the Chinese Cyberspace Administration (CAC), focuses on content that incites antagonism and amplifies negative sentiments. It covers all online channels, including social media posts, videos, live streams, and comments. The CAC aims to stop the 'selling' of antagonism and negative sentiments in discussions about familial trauma, parental frustration, gender issues, workplace criticism, and boss mockery.
The crackdown has seen several high-profile influencers with tens of millions of followers banned. Hu Chenfeng, Zhang Xuefeng, Lan Zhanfei, and Fangzhang (Jiang Yucheng) were among those targeted for promoting antagonism and anxiety through their content. Their posts were removed from major platforms such as Weibo, Weixin, Xiaohongshu, Kuaishou, Douyin, and Bilibili. The CAC also imposed disciplinary measures on platforms like Weibo and Kuaishou for failing to moderate harmful content.
Lying-flatists, who criticize 'involution' and meritocracy myths, and fan club subcultures have also been targeted. The CAC explicitly mentioned problematic behavior within these communities, including inciting extreme group antagonism and malicious attacks during discussions on trending topics and events. Several video bloggers were banned before the CAC's announcement.
The crackdown comes amid record-high youth unemployment rates and growing discontent among young people in mainland China. The youth unemployment rate reached 18.9 percent in August 2025, the highest since the methodology for calculating the rate was revised in December 2023.
The CAC's campaign is a significant move to regulate online content and manage public sentiment. It remains to be seen how these measures will impact online discussions and the future of online influencers in China. The campaign is set to continue for two months, with the CAC requiring platforms and individuals to perform 'rectification' to comply with new content standards.
Read also:
- Setting Up and Expanding Operations at a Soil Blending Facility
- Surveying the Scene: Legality, Drones, and American Anti-Terror Strategy
- Regional University's healthcare system strengthened through collaborative partnership with Chancellor Dr Fiona Hill
- Reminisced University Trustee David M. Flaum as a 'fervent advocate' for the University and community
