03.12.2025 16:20
China's cyber control authority has removed over 40,000 posts from social media platforms that contained pessimistic comments about the real estate market and distorted housing policies. As part of the operation, tens of thousands of real estate accounts and thousands of live streaming rooms were penalized. While the real estate crisis deepens day by day in the country, authorities are tightening online controls even further.
The cyber oversight unit in Shanghai, China, announced that over 40,000 social media posts, accused of "doom-mongering" about the real estate market and misrepresenting official housing policies, have been removed from platforms. The digital cleanup operation, ongoing since November 14 on popular apps like RedNote and Bilibili, has been supported by the Shanghai Housing Bureau and internet police.
PENALTIES FOR REAL ESTATE ACCOUNTS AND LIVE STREAM ROOMS
According to a report by Bloomberg, officials stated that various sanctions have been imposed on more than 70,000 real estate accounts and 1,200 live stream rooms during the same period. As part of the oversight, accounts of content creators deemed to be spreading misinformation have been restricted, and some broadcasts have been completely shut down.
EXTENDED REAL ESTATE CRISIS RAISES CONCERNS
The real estate crisis in China, ongoing since 2021, continues to deepen due to financially struggling developers. Many companies have been unable to complete projects sold through pre-sales because they could not pay their debts. This situation has eroded consumer confidence and led to a significant contraction in household spending. Despite the measures taken by the Beijing administration to revive the stagnation in the sector, a lasting recovery has not been achieved.
The recent intervention in Shanghai highlights officials' concerns about online comments creating panic among the public and potentially turning into broader government criticism.
POLITICAL OVERSIGHT AND ONLINE CENSORSHIP EXPANDING
During President Xi Jinping's era, political opposition has largely been neutralized within China's "Great Firewall," while censorship mechanisms have become increasingly stringent. In recent years, criticisms targeting economic slowdown, the real estate sector, and post-COVID-19 recovery have been particularly noted.
Last week, Xi Jinping stated during a work session of the Politburo that the networks of interests behind online abuses need to be "boldly cut off" and emphasized the more effective use of artificial intelligence in cyber oversight.
AI-GENERATED IMAGES ALSO IN THE CROSSHAIRS
Officials noted that some accounts have shared real estate photos generated by artificial intelligence as if they were real, and therefore have been placed under review. Stricter oversight of the accuracy of digital content is expected in the upcoming period.