China has investigated more than 36,000 cybercrime cases this year as authorities intensify a nationwide campaign against online offences and activities that have raised public concern, the Ministry of Public Security said on Thursday.
China Cybersecurity Week is being observed from Sept 14 to 20. During the campaign, cybersecurity departments across the country have focused on breaking criminal chains, addressing groups of similar cases and improving online governance. They are also coordinating with industry regulators through the national cyber and information security reporting mechanism.
Online rumours are a major focus. Police have solved more than 11,000 cases involving fabricated information, manipulated content and AI-generated rumours linked to accidents, disasters, the economy and people’s livelihoods.
Authorities have also investigated organisations behind such content, including multi-channel networks and paid online commentators. Platforms have been urged to improve algorithm governance and explore technologies for monitoring AI-generated content.
More than 4,100 cases involving the theft, sale or illegal disclosure of personal information have been solved. These include the illegal acquisition of personal records and “doxxing”, which involves publicly exposing private information to harass someone.
Police have also solved more than 2,500 online violence cases involving doxxing, insults, defamation and repeated harassment through calls and text messages. Platforms have been asked to strengthen content checks and early-warning systems.
In April, a sports training centre in Guangdong and a centre under the General Administration of Sport of China reported online abuse against an athlete. Police found that an internet user surnamed Xu, a fan of another athlete, had posted insults against the athlete and supporters to “defend” the preferred athlete. Xu received an administrative penalty.
More than 190 organised online manipulation cases have been solved, involving manufactured topics, exploitation of trending issues, paid removal of negative content, artificial traffic boosting and comment manipulation.
In Zhejiang, Guangdong and Fujian, 4 criminal groups allegedly used cultural communication companies and influential social media accounts to post negative content about new films, television programmes and variety shows before demanding payments. Police arrested 24 suspects, including 7 major suspects placed under criminal coercive measures. Investigations continue.
Police have also investigated more than 3,900 hacking cases involving threats to public order, market and tax security, data security, environmental security, and production and transport safety.
More than 250 fake official websites have been shut down. Authorities also investigated more than 150 online channels redirecting users to pornography, gambling, fraud and other illegal activities.
Alongside the crackdown, authorities conducted more than 7,900 cybersecurity and data security inspections, identifying and rectifying 38,000 security risks and vulnerabilities.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.