cyberviolence Photo:IC

Recently, the tragic suicide of Doctor Shao, head of the obstetrics and gynecology department at Zhoukou Sixth People's Hospital in China's Henan Province, has drawn widespread attention. Her family told media that Shao had been subjected to constant cyberbullying for over seven months by three online accounts, leaving her in a state of utter helplessness. 

Shao had practiced medicine for 30 years and had received numerous honors, including "Outstanding Obstetrician and Gynecologist of Henan Province." In recent days, many patients and mothers she once cared for have been paying tribute to her on social media. Local health authorities and relevant departments have launched an investigation in accordance with the law and are handling follow-up matters appropriately. It is hoped the inquiry will provide justice to those affected and offer society a fair and transparent conclusion.

Cyberbullying not only infringes on individual dignity and rights but also poisons the online ecosystem. Previous cases like those involving Liu Xuezhou and Zheng Linghua, both victims of extreme online abuse, had sparked widespread concerns and outrage. It is not only individuals who suffer — some private enterprises have also been targets of online abuse. 

In recent years, relevant authorities have increasingly prioritized and intensified efforts to combat cyberbullying. In 2023, China issued a circular on the Guiding Opinions on Punishing Internet Violence and Illegal Crimes In Accordance with Law, and in 2024, Provisions on Governance of Cyber Violence Information officially came into force. These laws stipulate that organizing "doxxing" campaigns, illegally collecting and disseminating personal information to large audiences and causing serious consequences, may constitute criminal offenses under the charge of infringing upon citizens' personal information.

This incident also serves as a reminder that the fight against cyberbullying is still ongoing. Online platforms, in particular, as the "faucets" controlling the flow of information and the frontline "outposts" for content governance, must shoulder their responsibilities. Relevant regulations clearly state that internet information service providers are obligated to fulfill their primary responsibilities in managing online content. Admittedly, identifying instances of cyberbullying amid the vast sea of information is no easy task, especially when distinguishing between legitimate reports and malicious abuse. 

However, this cannot be used as an excuse for platforms to shirk their duties or respond perfunctorily. The mechanisms that platforms have introduced to prevent cyberbullying must not become mere window dressing. If a platform fails to act as the first gatekeeper in content moderation, neglects to use its technological tools to detect, warn, and interrupt the chain of online abuse, or if its reporting channels for harmful content are obstructed or inefficient, then its algorithms may end up accelerating the spread of malicious content.

Governance of cyberspace requires platforms to take full responsibility as primary actors. According to statistics, the number of internet users in China has surpassed 1 billion, with an internet penetration rate of 79.7 percent. While online technologies continue to evolve in increasingly diverse forms, cyberbullying has also been shifting its appearance, taking on new disguises. This demands that platforms enhance their technical capacity for identifying and handling such issues, investing in resources to optimize algorithmic models so that systems can more accurately detect emerging, covert forms of online abuse. 

A closed-loop mechanism, from early warning to rapid response, should be established. Platforms must play an active role in precisely combating cyberbullying. But this should not be a "solo performance"; instead, a multi-stakeholder approach is essential. Reporting and appeals channels for users should be accessible and efficient, with simplified procedures and timely feedback, allowing every user to act as a vigilant "watchdog." 

In addition, involving professional institutions in content moderation and rule evaluation can further enhance the expertise and credibility of platform governance. Responsibility is the duty platforms must shoulder as the gatekeepers of cyberspace. Clear accountability does not hinder development; rather, it helps build a safer and more trustworthy environment that earns long-term user confidence and strengthens the foundation for sustainable growth.

When online content distribution is heavily shaped by algorithms and tagging systems, cyberbullying initiated by just a few individuals can quickly escalate into a serious incident. When personal emotions are amplified and compounded without restraint in cyberspace, the result can be irreversible harm to victims. This is a typical issue in the digital age and one that platforms must address with seriousness and responsibility. 

The cost of learning lessons through the loss of life is far too heavy while the importance of holding platforms accountable cannot be overstated. Only when every platform truly internalizes anti-cyberbullying governance as part of its operational norms can we jointly weave a strong protective net, allowing the clear light of civility to shine across every corner of the internet.