CRI听力:Real Names Demanded for Instant Messeging Users

The Chinese government has published an interim regulation on instant messaging services, demanding that all users register using their real names. It also aims at regulating what can be published on China's 5.8 million public accounts on apps like WeChat.

CRI's Tu Yun has more.

For the first time, new applicants are required to provide real names on registration.

Existing users will have limited access to the messaging services until they verify their identities.

Instant message service providers will be responsible for protecting users' private information and dealing with illegal information.

Jiang Jun, spokesperson of the State Internet Information Office.

"The regulation aims at promoting healthy development of the instant messaging sector, urging providers to improve their services and safeguard national security and public interests."

Popular instant messaging platforms like Tencent's WeChat allow users to send text, photos, videos and voice messages over mobile devices.

Some public accounts on WeChat have been used for spreading false information, or even for stealing other users' private information.

Li Yuxiao is an expert in Internet management and regulation from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications.

"Since most messages on Wechat are from friends, users subconsciously believe that the information is true. So messages will spread at an extremely rapid pace. It is a hotbed for rumors."

According to the new regulation, only media organizations and news websites can use public accounts to release and retweet political reports.

Users must ensure the authenticity of the information they provide. If a user breaks the rules, they will be warned, their use of the service may be restricted and, as a last resort, accounts may be closed.

In the first half of this year, Tencent received 60 million complaints over rumors and fraud.

Guo Kaitian is the vice president of Tencent.

"We firmly resist rumors and untrue information. In line with the government's clean internet campaign, we have closed more than 400 public accounts."

More than 800 million people use instant messengers in China, sending more than 20 billion pieces of information every day.

For CRI, I'm Tu Yun.