JournalismPakistan.com | Published August 18, 2017
Join our WhatsApp channel
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has called on the Chinese authorities to present credible evidence that certain websites have violated laws as alleged.
According to China Daily, three popular news portals – toutiao.com, NetEase, and Phoenix – were punished by the National Office against Pornographic and Illegal Publications Office in Beijing on August 17, on grounds of carrying “pornographic” content. In addition to the fine, the channels were suspended for a week in order to “rectify” the content.
The National Office stated that it had already cooperated with at least seven other departments including the Police Bureau; the State Administrative Office of Press Publication Radio Film and Television and the Ministry of Industrial and Information Technology to fight “harmful” information online. The office, which is reportedly focusing on digital content, targeted weibo, WeChat, search engines, mobile apps, and websites, on the pretext of “fighting against illegal and pornographic” material has penalized traditional and new media since 2008.
At the same time, the Cyberspace Administrative Office in Zhejiang and Hainan also alleged that several websites including Taobao.com, were selling illegal VPN and computing system tools and a few websites carried “incorrect” and “vulgar” information. However, no evidence was presented to show how these websites had breached the Cyber Security Law of China and other relevant regulations.
This new wave of crackdowns on the online media started in April after Liu Yunshan, one of the members of the Politburo Standing Committee of China attended a seminar in Beijing. During the meeting, Liu demanded that leaders of all propaganda departments across the nation carry out “propaganda activities” as a preparation for the 19th Communist Party Congress scheduled to be held in autumn of this year. Such clampdowns during the so-called ‘sensitive periods’ are not new, and a number of traditional and online media outlets have been forced to shut down or pay the penalty.
The IFJ said: “There has not been a shred of evidence produced by the National Office or relevant departments to prove that the websites shut down and penalized have violated any laws or regulations. In the absence of such proof and demonstrable grounds, the targeted silencing of media outlets creates a chilling effect in the industry.”
The IFJ urged the National Office against Pornographic and Illegal Publications and other relevant departments to provide full evidence to the public in order to allow the affected parties and citizens to analyze the evidence for themselves. – IFJ media release
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.