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China’s Cyberspace Regulator Targets ByteDance’s Toutiao, Alibaba’s UCWeb in Crackdown

By  |  September 23, 2025

China’s top internet watchdog has summoned ByteDance’s news aggregator Toutiao and Alibaba’s UCWeb browser operator over alleged content violations, according to Reuters. The move marks the latest escalation in Beijing’s ongoing campaign to tighten oversight of online platforms and user behavior.

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    The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said both firms had recently been penalized for material that “disrupted the online ecosystem order,” per Reuters. The regulator emphasized that “strict disciplinary actions against responsible personnel” were part of the penalties. This follows a nationwide two-month initiative launched on Monday aimed at eradicating online content deemed harmful, with authorities underscoring their long-term goal of cultivating a “clean and healthy” cyberspace aligned with Communist Party values.

    According to CAC, Toutiao allowed “harmful content” to surface on trending lists and other features of its platform. UCWeb was accused of enabling “non-authoritative sources” and “non-mainstream media” to dominate its trending sections with coverage of “sensitive and malicious” cases, including material tied to cyberbullying and minors’ privacy. The regulator concluded its statement with a vow to continue wielding the “sharp sword” of online law enforcement to enforce order.

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    Toutiao responded by saying it welcomed the scrutiny and would establish a task force dedicated to cracking down on non-compliant content and online trolling, according to Reuters.

    The clampdown is not limited to these two platforms. Last week, CAC also took action against short-video app Kuaishou, microblogging platform Weibo, and lifestyle app Xiaohongshu (also known as RedNote), all cited for similar violations. Analysts note that the push reflects heightened sensitivity among officials, as public dissatisfaction grows amid economic challenges and persistent youth unemployment.

    Separately, regulatory scrutiny has extended beyond the internet sector. Reuters reported that China’s market watchdog summoned Huolala, a cargo services provider, to demand compliance with anti-monopoly laws. Days earlier, investigators opened a probe into Kuaigou, an e-commerce subsidiary of Kuaishou, over possible breaches of e-commerce regulations.

    Source: Reuters