China Says Tech Firms Pledge to Counter Online Terror Activities

Advertisement
By Reuters | Updated: 12 April 2016 18:26 IST
Twenty-five Chinese technology companies have signed a pledge to counter images and information online that promote terrorism, the Internet regulator said on Tuesday, months after China passed a controversial new anti-terrorism law.

The Cyberspace Administration of China said the companies had promised to "handle in a timely way terror-related harmful, illegal information, create a clear Internet space and maintain social stability".

The companies which have signed up include Baidu Inc, Tencent Holdings Ltd, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, JD.com and Sina Corp, the regulator said.

Tencent, Alibaba, JD.com and Sina did not immediately respond to request for comment. A Baidu spokesman declined to comment.

Advertisement

The regulator said that more than 25,000 posts, 4,000 videos and 200 accounts had been removed from the Internet so far this year that involve illegal, terror-related content.

China passed the anti-terrorism law in December. Among other things, it requires technology firms to help decrypt information and cooperate with the government in fighting terrorism.

Critics say China uses its counter-terror and national security regulations to quell free speech.

Advertisement

Under President Xi Jinping, the government has implemented an unprecedented tightening of Internet controls and sought to codify the policy within the law.

China has rebuffed the criticism of the law, saying it is simply doing what other Western nations already do in asking technology firms to help fight terror.

Advertisement

The law has caused particular unease in Western capitals as it codifies sweeping powers for the government to combat perceived threats.

China says it faces a serious threat from groups such as the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), which operates in China's restive far western region of Xinjiang, home to the Muslim Uighur people, where hundreds have died in violence in recent years.

Advertisement

Rights groups and many foreign experts though say China has never presented any convincing evidence to prove ETIM exists as a cohesive, well-organised group capable of the kinds of attacks China blames it for.

© Thomson Reuters 2016

 

Catch the latest from the Consumer Electronics Show on Gadgets 360, at our CES 2026 hub.

Further reading: Alibaba, Apps, Baidu, China, Internet, Tencent
Advertisement

Related Stories

Popular Mobile Brands
  1. Here's How Much the Realme P4 Power Could Cost in India
  2. JioHotstar Announces Monthly Subscription Plans Across All Tiers
  3. Google Might Be Adding More Layers to Stop Users From Sideloading Apps
  4. Amazon Great Republic Day Sale: Top Laptop Deals Under Rs. 55,000
  5. Infinix Note Edge Debuts With MediaTek Dimensity 7100 , 6,500mAh Battery
  6. Lava Blaze Duo 3 With a 1.6-Inch Rear Display Launched in India: See Price
  7. Champion OTT Release Date: When and Where to Watch This Telugu Movie Online?
  8. Apple Could Bring LTPO+ Panel, Under-Display Face ID Tech to iPhone 18
  9. Vivo V70 FE Reportedly Spotted on Geekbench With This Chipset
  10. Sarvam Maya OTT Release: Know Everything About This Malayalam Fantasy Drama Film
  1. Asus Reportedly Halts Smartphone Launches ‘Temporarily’ to Focus on AI Robots, Smart Glasses
  2. JioHotstar Announces Monthly Subscription Plans Across Mobile, Super, and Premium Tiers
  3. New Solid-State Freezer Could Replace Climate-Harming Refrigerants
  4. Google Is Reportedly Adding More Verification Layers in Play Store to Curb Sideloading Apps
  5. Realme Buds Clip Price in India Leaked Ahead of Anticipated Launch
  6. Champion OTT Release Date: When and Where to Watch This Telugu Movie Online?
  7. Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri OTT Release Reportedly Revealed Online
  8. iPhone 18 Series to Feature LTPO+ Display Panel With Under-Display IR Sensor for Face ID: Report
  9. Infinix Note Edge Launched With 6,500mAh Battery, MediaTek Dimensity 7100 SoC
  10. Bitcoin Enters Consolidation Phase as Crypto Investors Turn Cautious
Gadgets 360 is available in
Download Our Apps
Available in Hindi
© Copyright Red Pixels Ventures Limited 2026. All rights reserved.