According to a report from the South China Morning Post, the new policy was introduced via an internal memo from Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) – the country’s internet watchdog.
The guidelines are part of a three-year plan that gives local governments the responsibility to regulate the use of algorithms. “In recent years, algorithms have played an important role in accelerating the spread of information, fostering the digital economy and promoting social development,” the document said. “A the same time, the inappropriate application of algorithms has disrupted the dissemination of information. “As well as market and social order, posing a challenge to the protection of ideology, social justice and the rights of internet users.”