~ Linn Maung ~
As floods, labour unrest and local protests spread across China, the Chinese government has intensified efforts to suppress online content that could amplify public discontent, with authorities reportedly targeting not only those who post videos but also those who share or comment on them.
According to insiders and residents, police have stepped up surveillance of social media activity, questioning users, imposing administrative detention of up to 10 days, and, in more serious cases, pursuing criminal charges against those accused of spreading what authorities describe as “negative information.”
The crackdown comes as several regions battle severe flooding, and criticism grows over the handling of disaster relief. Officials are also facing a surge in labour disputes, medical controversies and public demonstrations over local grievances.
A Chinese Communist Party (CCP) insider said Beijing has instructed local governments to strengthen both flood-control operations and “stability maintenance”, the regime’s term for its vast domestic security apparatus tasked with preventing unrest.
“The authorities are most afraid that ordinary people will film what happens on the ground and post it online,” a netizen said online. Videos showing submerged neighbourhoods, delayed rescue operations or absent local officials quickly trigger public demands for accountability.
According to the social media, the campaign now extends beyond deleting online content. Authorities are tracing those who record incidents, identifying people who circulate videos, and even monitoring discussions in private messaging groups. Officials are particularly concerned that many Chinese citizens bypass internet restrictions to access overseas platforms where such footage spreads widely.
The heightened censorship follows a series of videos that circulated between July 7 and July 13, showing protests across multiple provinces. The footage included grieving families demanding answers after a patient’s death following surgery in Hebei, relatives protesting an electricity-related fatality, students demonstrating against shortened summer vacations, construction workers in Guangxi climbing a bridge over unpaid wages, and migrant workers in Yunnan demanding salary arrears. Several clips showed police detaining protesters.
A public-sector employee involved in propaganda work in Guangdong said local governments fear that such incidents reaching international audiences could invite scrutiny from Beijing. “Local officials are worried about being held accountable,” he said, adding that agencies, hospitals and public institutions have instructed employees to promote “positive energy” while avoiding, sharing or even liking posts related to emergencies or protests.
The campaign has reportedly reached neighbourhood level, with community grid workers warning residents against circulating “negative” videos in local social media groups.
On July 13, China’s Ministry of Public Security announced action against 25 cases involving alleged online rumours related to floods and disasters. Authorities said four people were placed under criminal detention, 23 received administrative penalties, several social media accounts were shut down, and users were warned against reposting, editing or using artificial intelligence to create disaster-related content.
Residents say censorship across China’s major online platforms has tightened significantly as authorities seek to contain growing public frustration.
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