China Watch Blog has learnt that Sina Corp has introduced a code of conduct for users of the local version of Twitter amid accusations of censorship to rein in what has grown into a raucous online forum.
According to a Reuters report, the code of conduct, first announced earlier this month, stipulates that users of Sina’s weibo microblogging site cannot post information that is against the principles of the constitution, cannot harm national unity, disclose state secrets or publish false information, among other rules.
Many users said the restrictions are aimed at muzzling what is often scathing and anonymous online chatter.
The move, the latest in a series of steps to rein in discussion on weibos, comes as China prepares for a once-in- a-decade leadership handover, expected to be announced later this year.
Sina, the biggest of the weibo operators, also introduced a points system in which a user starts with 80 points and loses points for every violation. A score of zero results in a canceled account. A user can gain points for validating his or her real identity.
“It gives Sina a firmer basis for expanding a ban on whatever is considered sensitive news,” said one prominent weibo user.
“The definition of what counts as sensitive was always loose and it’s expanding all the time. Of course, nowadays, they’re worried because of all the scandal and rumors before the 18th [Chinese Communist Party] congress.”
In a sign of how intensely sensitive the issue is, censors blocked online searches for the name of Bo Xilai, the former Chongqing party boss cast out of the party’s central committee.
Internet users have skirted restrictions by using code words to discuss the issue. Sina employs technicians to scrub weibo of politically sensitive posts.
Sina’s move to implement a user contract comes after Beijing demanded in December that microblogging operators ensure their users are registered with their real names.
Some weibo users expressed dismay over the new restrictions.
“New rules will be carried out on the 28th,” one wrote.
“So I should publish my personal opinion on matters of state sovereignty, territorial integrity and social problems before then.
“After the 28th, I will just write about personal things.”
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