Stop rumors spreading via WeChat

WeChat is based on real life social networks, which means users generally follow private and public accounts trusted by them; therefore they also tend to more easily believe rumors spread via the platform. Besides, WeChat stresses privacy and allows comments to be viewed by followers only, which in practice has weakened its self-purifying ability as fewer users can see comments that refute rumors.

WeChat users need to raise their awareness about rumors, too, as many have the habit of forwarding information without checking its veracity, thus helping rumors to spread.

Li Xinran, analyst of Enfodesk, Beijing Times, Aug 7

Weibo, or micro blogs, as another social network platform, used to be filled with rumors too, until the implementation of a regulation this May halted the trend. Now it is WeChat's turn to be regulated to stop rumors from being spread. Users have already recognized the possible negative results of spreading rumors, making it easier for them to accept the new regulations for WeChat.

We call for supervisors to strictly implement the new regulations and free WeChat from the mess of rumors; ordinary users should also be more aware of the words they use online, and refrain from forwarding information without checking its truthfulness.

Xu Hong, Sichuan Daily, Aug 7

Those who fabricate rumors are to blame, but many WeChat users help spread the rumors, by forwarding them at will. To prevent that, WeChat users should have a common bottom line not to forward unconfirmed information and remind friends to stay awake when forwarding information. More importantly, when they confirm something is a rumor, they should help make that clear in their social circle, so that more people realize it.

Bian Guangchun, chinaxwcb.com, Aug 7

While bringing convenience to our daily lives, WeChat is also abused by some to illegally spread harmful information, which has aroused complaints and even caused economic losses for some users. The new regulations best answer the calls to regulate WeChat and protect users' interests.

The new regulation also shows the government's wisdom of improving governance. Unlike its past practice of supervising everything, the government now sets the bottom line for WeChat and grants the operator full freedom as long as the users' rights are not violated. We are confident that it will open a new era for the Internet in China.

xinhuanet.com, Aug 7