Monthlong campaign launched to tackle AI misuse and misinformation ahead of Spring Festival

China's top cyberspace regulator announced a monthlong campaign on Thursday to clean up online content ahead of the Spring Festival holiday, targeting issues such as artificial intelligence misuse, misinformation, and the malicious incitement of negative sentiments.

In a news release, the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission stated that the campaign will target platforms, online services, and key sections frequently used during the holiday, which runs from Sunday to Feb 23.

The campaign will intensify efforts to curb maliciously incited negative sentiments online, including content that fuels gender antagonism and amplifies "marriage fears" and "childbearing anxiety". It also targets content that stirs up rivalry and confrontation, such as flaunting wealth under the guise of "Spring Festival shopping" or buying holiday gifts.

The regulator will crack down on "junk information" generated and spread through the misuse of emerging technologies, including low-quality content mass-produced with AI, characterized by confused logic, empty information, and high similarity. It also cited the misuse of AI to insert vulgar or violent content into classic animations and film or television works.

A focus will also be placed on fabricating and spreading false information, including rumors about the Spring Festival travel rush, holiday market supply, and emergency incidents involving public safety.

The campaign will target individuals who impersonate public figures to exploit trending topics and mislead internet users. The regulator urged major online platforms to strengthen monitoring of homepages, first screens of apps, trending lists, hot-topic recommendations, pop-up alerts, news feeds, and comment sections, and to proactively remove illegal and harmful information.