The Chinese government has put forward a new set of rules that prevents celebrities from “showing off” their wealth and “extravagant pleasure” online as President Xi Jinping continues to push his effort to reform social values in China.
The new rules: The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) criticized the “supremacy of [internet] traffic” and “abnormal aesthetics” during an announcement on Tuesday, according to Financial Times.
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- China’s internet-regulation agency stated in its new rules that celebrities and fan-club accounts need to “follow public order and good customs, adhere to correct public opinion orientation and value orientation, promote socialist core values and maintain a healthy style and taste,” Business Insider reported.
- Celebrities are also not allowed to circulate rumors, promote verbal attacks among their fans and have fans partake in “illegal fundraising or irrational investment.” The CAC also wants to limit celebrity products and associated works from appearing online.
- The CAC also targeted fans by deleting fan-run pages with millions of followers online. Meanwhile, fan clubs are required to have professional celebrity agents manage their groups.
- For the new rules to work, the CAC has asked Chinese social networks to report “suspected illegal and criminal acts of exposed stars, and group conflicts involving fans” to officials.
Other details: The recent move is part of Xi’s “common prosperity” campaign that kickstarted in August. Some crackdowns on local entertainment that have made headlines include the ban on popular children’s shows and the ban on “sissy,” effeminate men from TV.
- The Chinese government has also put certain restrictions on social media and the gaming industry, which primarily affect the country’s youth. Children are reportedly only allowed to play games for three hours per week and access Douyin for 40 minutes a day.
