Beijing introduces new weibo censorship

Sina (SINA.Nasdaq) Weibo, China’s biggest microblogging service, imposed user contracts forbidding microbloggers from posting messages deemed inappropriate by censors beginning May 28, The New York Times reported. Sina Weibo has over 300 million registered users who are automatically given 80 “points” apiece; points can be taken away for comments deemed to be inappropriate. User accounts will be deleted when points hit zero. Deductions can be made for a wide range of offenses, including spreading rumors, calling for illegal protests, promoting cults and debasing China’s honor, as well as sly homonyms and puns. Chinese propaganda authorities have progressively taken a tougher line on weibo comments since the Wenzhou high-speed train crash last year, which triggered a bout of public outcry and anti-government sentiment.