China’s top internet regulator has launched a major campaign to clean up social media ahead of the national games. China’s Cyberspace Administration (CAC) has announced a “Clean and Bright: Online Environment Rectification” initiative to stop the doxxing of athletes, coaches and referees, the South China Morning Post reports.
For years, China has struggled with obsessive fan behavior where athletes are harassed or harassed. The campaign will target fan-driven smear campaigns and online fights that can disrupt preparations for the event.
Incidents have increased sharply since the 2024 Paris Olympics. In August of last year, the General Administration of Sport even called on the public to boycott extreme fan events.
Several top Chinese athletes were forced to disband their fan groups following Beijing’s order last year. Olympic table tennis champions Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha, swimmer Pan Zhanle and others have seen their online fan communities close.
The damage caused by extreme fandom has already been severe. Table tennis star Fan Zhendong has had his identity documents and travel details leaked online. A fan even used a copy of his hotel key to enter his room.
“The incident horrified me. I never imagined that an athlete could suffer this kind of intrusion. Acts of so-called love like this only make me feel deeply exhausted from the bottom of my heart,” SCMP quoted Fan as saying.
Olympic diver Chen Yuxi has faced continuous cyberbullying since the 2021 Tokyo Games. She now avoids social media to focus on training.
“All I can do is turn off my social media and focus on training,” Chen said.
What is doxxing?
Doxxing (also spelled Doxing) is the act of posting someone’s private information online without their consent. The word comes from the word “throw away documents”. This is usually done to harass, threaten or harm them.
Doxxers often reveal details such as home addresses, phone numbers and emails. The impact can be serious. Dangers include online harassment, emotional stress and stalking.
Doxxing in India
Vikram Misri’s daughter faced severe online abuse in May after India announced a ceasefire with Pakistan. Trolls leaked her mobile number, shared her private details and targeted her and Misri with hateful messages.
The National Commission for Women, government groups and political leaders have strongly condemned doxxing. Misri later locked his social media accounts due to harassment.
