China’s top internet regulator has begun a major campaign to clean up social media ahead of the National Games. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) announced a “Clean and Bright: Online Environment Rectification” drive to stop doxxing of athletes, coaches and referees, according to the South China Morning Post.

China has struggled for years with obsessive fan behaviour where athletes are mobbed or harassed. The campaign will target fan-driven smear campaigns and online fights that may disturb event preparations.

Incidents have increased sharply since the 2024 Paris Olympics. In August last year, the General Administration of Sport even urged the public to boycott extreme fan actions.

Several top Chinese athletes were forced to disband their fan groups after Beijing’s order las

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