Weibo publishes location data of its users

Short message service Weibo plans to publish the location of its users in the future. According to a post by the company, the goal is to “reduce malicious disinformation and automated theft of web content, and ensure the authenticity and transparency of distributed content.”

Weibo explained the move by stating that it has “always been committed to maintaining a healthy and orderly atmosphere of discussion and protecting the rights and interests of users to quickly obtain real and effective information.” Last month, other platforms such as news site Jinri Toutiao, video portals Douyin and Kuaishou, and lifestyle platform Xiaohongshu had already begun to display the locations of their users. Experts see this as a signal that the sentiment on social networks is to be brought into line with the Party. Last year, Beijing had taken increased action with harsh fines against large tech companies and their social media platforms. Above all, the entertainment industry was supposed to be brought under control (China.Table reported).