![]() "The suspension of new user registrations on WeChat has no substantial impact on Tencent in the short term," Zhou said. read moreīeijing-based tech consultant Zhou Zhanggui said investors were over-reacting to the "rectification" of Chinese tech companies. It is readying a Personal Information Protection Law, which calls for tech platforms to impose stricter measures to ensure secure storage of user data. Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng Index (.HSI) fell 4.2%.Ĭhina is in the process of tightening policies towards privacy and data security. Shares in Tencent plunged 9.0% in Hong Kong on Tuesday amid widespread market jitters over Chinese regulatory crackdowns on high-growth sectors, including online platforms and, most recently, private tutoring. Registration services will be restored after the upgrade is complete, which is expected in early August," it added. "During this time, registration of new Weixin personal and official accounts has been temporarily suspended. "We are currently upgrading our security technology to align with all relevant laws and regulations," the company said in a statement to Reuters. ![]() It is also hoped the real-name system deters those who spread illegal information on instant messaging tools, as well as the promotion of violence, terrorism and pornography.BEIJING, July 27 (Reuters) - Tencent's (0700.HK) WeChat has temporarily suspended registration of new users in mainland China as it undergoes a technical upgrade "to align with relevant laws and regulations", China's dominant instant messaging platform said on Tuesday. "For those reporting alleged rumors, we'll give a reply and solution within seven days." "Paying and taking taxis via our application will become easier and quicker for users who provide real identities," Guo said. He said his team spends too much time identifying and removing fake information and reports from users. Guo Kaitian, vice-president of Tencent, welcomed the real-name system. Previous users who were not required to provide authentic information will be encouraged to join real-name systems, but the watchdog said the specific method for doing so would depend on the application producers and operators. The mandate is in line with the Internet information protection regulation made by the top legislature's standing committee. The real-name system is a must, he added, but cleaning up cyberspace and reducing misinformation also requires government action and self-discipline from users.Īccording to the new rule, online service providers should ask users to supply real identities if they want online services on mobile phones. "We are troubled with some rumors on instant messaging tools, especially on WeChat where most friends believe what they see and the impact of the rumors is sometimes bigger than other platforms, such as micro blogs," Li said. Li Yuxiao, director of the Institute of Internet Governance and Law under Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, agreed with Shi, but said the real-name system is no cure-all for the online environment. Shi Shusi, a popular micro-blogger and WeChat user, praised the real-name registration, saying it is necessary to give true identities when opening a bank account or shopping online. The rule on real name registration, which has been effective since Thursday, has been applauded by Internet users and experts. Meanwhile, regulators will warn violators, limit their rights to release information, suspend renewals or even close their accounts, based on the degree of the violation. Rules include that providers of instant messaging services shall be responsible for their safe operation, protect users' information and citizens' privacy, be subject to public supervision and handle illegal information in a timely manner. The office stressed that the privacy of users can be protected when registering their real names. Users can still use online nicknames when using instant messaging tools, according to the new rule. Potential users of WeChat will only receive an account after their real identities are verified. WeChat had 5.8 million public accounts as of last month, reported, citing Zeng Ming, a WeChat management official. Other public accounts must not publish or forward political news without authorization. Only public accounts operated by news agencies and news websites, some non-journalism institutes with online news and information service licenses, can publish and forward political news. The State Internet Information Office listed 10 regulations to tighten management of instant messaging in a bid to clean up the online environment and rein in rumormongers. Users of instant messaging tools, including WeChat, must in future register with their real names and unlicensed public accounts are banned from publishing or forwarding political news, China's top cyber watchdog ordered on Thursday.
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