Chinese internet companies have made a commitment to combat “extreme nationalism” online, specifically targeting anti-Japanese sentiment. This decision comes after a tragic incident in Suzhou, where a Chinese woman lost her life while trying to protect a Japanese mother and child.
The leading companies Tencent and NetEase have stated that they will actively investigate and ban users who promote hatred and incite conflict.
A spokesperson for Tencent, the operator of messaging app WeChat, mentioned that the incident in Jiangsu province has garnered significant public attention, with some internet users fueling tensions between China and Japan, leading to a surge in extreme nationalism.
Following the arrest of an unemployed man for the stabbing incident, which resulted in the death of the Chinese woman who intervened, there has been a mix of reactions online ranging from celebrating heroism to expressing nationalistic sentiments.
Social media platforms like Weibo and Douyin have highlighted the presence of extreme nationalistic and xenophobic content and are actively working to address these issues. This move marks a significant shift as such sentiments have been prevalent on China’s internet with minimal intervention.
In the wake of the Suzhou tragedy, online users have drawn parallels between xenophobic content online and real-world violence, emphasizing the need for regulation to prevent further incidents. Internet companies have reported removing a substantial amount of illegal content and taking action against violating posts.
Despite the efforts by internet companies, some individuals have criticized the crackdown on anti-Japan content, revealing differing perspectives within the online community. Chinese authorities have labeled the knife attack as an isolated event, in contrast to previous incidents involving foreigners.
Further research by Lin Zhihui
Source: www.theguardian.com
