Operators of discussion platforms must not manipulate posts for profit

People who run online forums are prohibited from making money by deleting or recommending comments, according to regulations released on Friday by the Office of the Central Leading Group for Cyberspace Affairs.

The rules take effect on Oct 1.

Employees of online platforms should not delete or recommend posts based on subjective opinions about their value or to earn money, the regulations said.

"They are also forbidden from deploying software or hiring people or commercial agencies to spread messages," they said. Forums were urged to operate within the law and according to commercial ethics, and operators were encouraged to shoulder their social responsibility.

Online forums were also asked to improve technology to protect people's personal information. Safety defects and loopholes that create risks should be found and remedied in a timely manner.

The regulations were released in the wake of a number of incidents that sparked public's attention. For example, Baidu Tieba, an online discussion platform, was accused last year of selling users' information from its hemophilia forum to unregulated private hospitals, making it easier for the hospitals to reach potential clients. The accusation triggered heated discussions about information security and the commercial ethics of websites.

The administration said that while online posts and comments have enriched people's lives, phenomena such as the spreading of rumors, the use of vulgar or otherwise uncivilized words and the posting of illegal information have emerged and created disorder.

Such incidents should be controlled and punished, making for a better online environment, it said.