Chinese individuals who are using messaging applications will now have to sign up their real names to go online and connect to the rest of China. They will also have to request approval before posting political views and opinions. Online users will likewise have to agree to upholding "the socialist system" before signing up to any messaging application.
These newly imposed restrictions, Beijing said, are implemented to "help build a clean cyberspace and protect national security."
Under this new rule, online users are prohibited from sharing and publishing political news. Users, in some cases, can only do so once authorities granted them permission.
The rules, broadcasted by the State Internet Information Office (SIIO) also stipulate that only legitimate media and government organizations can post political news.
In a statement, SIIO said users caught violating the rules and restrictions will be issued a warning and be restricted from posting.
In China, WeChat is the most widely used messaging app service with an estimate total of 393 Million users. This popular app is owned by Tencent, a Chinese internet service portal known for value-added solutions in areas like internet and mobile advertising.
Tencent is a Chinese internet service portal offering value-added internet, mobile, telecom, and online advertising services.
In a statement, Tencent, who also owns the second largest messaging app, the QQ international, said it would take steps to observe "offensive and abusive activities" to abide by the new rule.
For an ordinary Chinese, however, like Zhang, a prominent historian, highlighted the fact that the rule is prone to being misinterpreted.
Zhang likewise believes that the "provision is more to threaten and give warnings than to promote supervision.
Zhang also suggested users to "look out for who will be the first to be punished under the new rule."
"By then, it will be clear as to who is the intended target," Zhang added.
