China regulates original news feeds on messenger apps such as WeChat
In latest crackdown on online content, only authorised groups can post original news
The latest internet crackdown on the mainland means that only news agencies and websites are now authorised to publish original news content on public accounts on China's hugely popular WeChat. It is a platform with more than 5.8 million content providers, many claiming millions of subscribers.
Public accounts run by non-news agencies are allowed only to repost news, and only after they acquire a permit from the State Internet Information Office, according to a government announcement yesterday.
The SIIO's new measures came as public accounts on instant messaging services become a primary source of news and information for many.
The new regulations also called on party branches at all levels and state-run enterprises to launch public accounts to "service economic and social needs and satisfy the public".
The new rules, which became effective yesterday, apply to all instant messaging services including QQ and Momo. But experts believe the major target is WeChat, the most popular app on the mainland. WeChat had 396 million monthly active users in the first quarter of this year.
Xin Haiguang, a Beijing-based columnist who owns several public WeChat accounts, including one that shares political news, said he might have to change his content.
