How the Nepal-Tibet disaster became the latest victim of China’s ‘Clean Internet’ campaign
The online campaign used to focus on tackling cybercrime and hacking but has since expanded to suppress information that differs from official narratives
TL;DR
- China's 'Clean Internet 2026' campaign is being used to suppress unofficial information about the Nepal-Tibet flood disaster.
- Authorities are promoting official narratives and removing real-time comments that differ from the government-approved version of events.
- Individuals sharing alternative accounts, especially regarding the death toll, are being punished for spreading "rumors."
- The campaign's dual purpose includes tackling genuine problems while tightening control over public narratives.
- Social media platforms like WeChat are restricting and deleting posts deemed "politically sensitive" or containing "prohibited content."
- The Chinese government views information control as part of a global public-opinion struggle.