Beijing Fines Kuaishou 1717 Million for Vulgar Content Issues

Beijing's cyberspace regulator has issued a fine of 119.1 million yuan, equivalent to 17.17 million dollars, to Kuaishou Technology. This penalty stems from the company's failure to effectively control vulgar content on its platform, drawing attention to the pressing need for stringent content regulation in the digital landscape.

An investigation by the Beijing Municipal Cyberspace Administration uncovered a substantial amount of pornographic and vulgar livestream content being broadcasted on Kuaishou. This raises serious concerns about the company's obligations related to network security and content management.

The investigation revealed that Kuaishou did not adequately meet its responsibilities for safeguarding network security. The platform failed to promptly address vulnerabilities or security risks and neglected to take necessary actions, such as removing or halting the transmission of illegal content, which led to significant adverse consequences.

In response to the violations, the Beijing cyberspace regulator mandated Kuaishou to rectify its shortcomings within a specified timeframe. The regulator emphasized the need for the company to manage content in accordance with legal frameworks and hold relevant staff accountable for the infractions.

The Beijing Municipal Cyberspace Administration has affirmed its commitment to enhancing law enforcement efforts in the digital domain, actively combating illegal online activities. It continues to advocate for online platforms to uphold their responsibilities, aiming to secure network integrity and protect the public's rights.

Following the imposition of the penalty, Kuaishou expressed remorse and acknowledged the gravity of the situation. In a statement via its WeChat account, the company committed to making necessary corrections in line with regulatory expectations.

Kuaishou admitted that lapses in technical management and inadequate emergency response measures contributed to the prevalence of vulgar content on its platform. The company expressed deep remorse for the resulting negative impact on users and the community.

Moving forward, Kuaishou plans to prioritize security alongside its developmental goals. The company aims to enhance its adherence to lawful operations, improve governance structures, and diligently fulfill its responsibilities as a major player in the social media landscape.

This incident underscores the increasing scrutiny of social media platforms in China, as regulators intensify efforts to maintain content standards and the integrity of the online environment.