Cyber security Photo: IC

To ensure the smooth running of the 2025 Chengdu World Games, China's cyberspace authorities announced it will launch a 20-day special campaign starting Friday to clean up the online environment surrounding the event, the CCTV News reported on Thursday.

The campaign by Cyberspace Administration of China targets the spread of false information related to the Games and public policies or social issues in surrounding regions. This includes fabricating rumors about disasters, crimes, or food safety incidents that could cause public panic - especially in cases where such rumors persist despite official clarifications have been released.

It also targets discriminatory speech, incitement of division, and deliberate attempts to damage the image of the host city, CCTV said. 

Another focus of the campaign is cracking down on unlicensed online news and information services related to the World Games, and the creation and dissemination of AI-generated fake event videos.

The campaign also addresses the use of identical or similar names, domain names, logos, or layouts to impersonate official World Games websites and mobile apps. It also cracks down on fake accounts that  mimic local government agencies or news organizations through usernames, profile photos, bios, livestream setups, or video backgrounds.

The campaign also targets malicious online behavior such as the deliberate leaking of personal information of athletes, referees, and coaches, and inciting cyberbullying. It also seeks to curb the misbehavior from fan culture, including instigating conflict, verbal abuse, and other disruptive behaviours that could affect athletes' preparation and the smooth running of the Games. 

Additionally, the campaign targets the distorted or one-sided dissemination of emergency-related information, impersonation of those involved, and the resurfacing of outdated incidents to stir controversy.

Global Times