Authorities tamp down defamation

China's public security authorities are cracking down on illegal activities related to fandom culture, following widespread online clashes and defamation by fan groups after the women's singles table tennis final between two Chinese players at the Paris Olympics.

In a news release on Wednesday, the Ministry of Public Security said the public security authorities' cybersecurity departments have paid attention to the "chaotic phenomena associated with fandom culture" and announced efforts to enforce strict measures against such violations.

Fandom culture on Chinese social media involves organized fan groups supporting their idols through activities like chart boosting, comment control and monetary contributions, often leading to intense rivalries and significant social media influence.

However, in recent years, such activities have evolved into irrational accusations or even extreme clashes on social media.

The news release said that since the opening of the Paris Olympics, cybersecurity departments have closely monitored online activities and implemented measures to maintain order.

On Saturday evening, following the women's singles table tennis final, some netizens posted "defamatory comments", it said, noting that in posts early on Sunday morning one netizen in particular slandered the athletes and coaches involved, causing "significant social harm".

The Ministry of Public Security's cybersecurity department took immediate action, instructing Beijing's cyberpolice to investigate and address the issue, the release said.

Beijing police arrested a 29-year-old suspect surnamed He on Tuesday, according to the release, adding that she confessed to venting her emotions online and making defamatory remarks about athletes and coaches.

She has been placed under criminal detention, and the case is under further investigation, it said.

Cybersecurity departments will continue to fight the chaotic phenomena associated with fandom culture in sports, the ministry said.

It also reminded netizens that the internet is not beyond the law, urging viewers to engage in objective discussions, respect coaches, athletes and referees, and refrain from spreading rumors or attacking others.

The ministry called on netizens to protect the legitimate rights of Olympic athletes and maintain a positive online environment, showcasing the good image of Chinese sports fans.

On Saturday, Chinese table tennis player Chen Meng defeated teammate Sun Yingsha in the women's singles final at the Paris Olympics, successfully defending her title.

However, during the match, many fans at the event were observed booing when Chen lost points. After her victory, some supporters of Sun posted aggressive comments on social media, drawing widespread media attention and public outrage.

In Paris on Wednesday, Chen responded to the latest actions by public security authorities, expressing her hope that fans will face the outcomes of matches "in the right way".

She was quoted by Xinhua News Agency as saying that fans always hope their favorite athletes win, but there will always be victories and losses in sports.

"I believe that anyone who follows sports should be mentally prepared to accept the results, as this is the charm of competitive sports," Chen said. "I hope that fans can focus more on athletes' fighting spirit on the court and their perseverance in the face of challenges."

Also on Wednesday, Shanghai's cyberspace department said that during the Paris Olympics, some netizens posted "provocative comments, maliciously attacked others and manipulated public opinion, severely disrupting the harmonious online match-viewing environment".

The department said it has guided key local websites and platforms to prevent the noise outside the matches from disturbing Chinese athletes' normal competition, striving to create a clean online space.

As of Tuesday, social media and video platforms Xiaohongshu, Bilibili and Migu Video had removed over 840,000 pieces of inappropriate content, and banned or muted more than 5,300 accounts.

Additionally, video-sharing and social platforms including Douyin, Kuaishou and Sina Weibo have pledged to address irrational content related to sports fandom culture.

jiangchenglong@chinadaily.com.cn