China regulates instant messaging services

The Chinese government on Thursday rolled out a regulation to tighten management of instant messaging services, a move which it hopes will help build a clean cyberspace.

The regulation targets public accounts on such services, most of which are subscription-based mobile apps, and which can spread information on a large scale.

New registrants will for the first time be obliged to register with real names. Users shall abide by laws and regulations, the socialist system, national interests, the legitimate rights and interests of citizens, public order, social morality and ensure the authenticity of the information they provide, under the regulation.

Meanwhile, providers of instant messaging services shall be responsible for their safe operation, protect users' information and citizens' privacy, be subject to public supervision and handle illegal information in a timely manner.

Regulators will warn violators, limit their rights to release information, suspend their renewals or even close their accounts, based on the degree of the violation.

The regulation aims at promoting healthy development of the fast-growing instant messaging sector and safeguarding national security and public interests, according to the State Internet Information Office.

Popular instant messaging platforms including Tencent's WeChat allow users to send text, photos, videos and voice messages over mobile devices. Public accounts on such services are owned by individuals, organizations and companies.