Kuaishou File photo: VCG

Beijing's cyberspace regulator on Friday issued a warning and a fine of 119.1 million yuan ($17.17 million) on Beijing Kuaishou Technology for failing to fulfill network security protection obligation, following an investigation into the incident of large amount of pornographic and vulgar livestream content appearing on the Kuaishou platform.

According to the official WeChat account of Beijing Municipal Cyberspace Administration, regarding the recent issue of a large volume of pornographic and vulgar live-streaming content appearing on the Kuaishou platform, it conducted an investigation into the company for suspected violations.

The investigation confirmed that the Kuaishou platform failed to fulfill its network security protection obligations, did not promptly address system vulnerabilities and other security risks, and failed to immediately take measures such as stopping transmission or eliminating illegal information posted by users, with serious circumstances and highly adverse impact. 

On Friday, the Beijing cyberspace regulator imposed a warning and a fine of 119.1 million yuan on Beijing Kuaishou Technology, in accordance with laws and regulations. It also ordered the company to rectify the issues within a specified period, to handle accounts in accordance with laws and agreements, and to strictly hold responsible personnel accountable. 

The Beijing Municipal Cyberspace Administration will continue to intensify its network law enforcement efforts, resolutely crack down on all kinds of illegal activities in accordance with the law, urge online platforms to strictly fulfill their main responsibilities, in order to effectively safeguard network security, protect the legitimate rights and interests of the people, and maintain a clean cyberspace, it said.

Following the announcement, Kuaishou apologized and said it sincerely accepted the penalty and is committed to resolute rectification, according to a statement posted on its WeChat account on Friday. 

Due to deficiencies in the company's technical management, emergency response measures were not implemented in a timely manner, resulting in a large volume of pornographic and vulgar content appearing on the platform and causing severe adverse impact. Kuaishou deeply feels remorse and offers its sincere apologies, it said. 

Kuaishou will continue to prioritize both security and development, strengthen awareness of lawful and compliant operations, improve long-term governance mechanisms, and earnestly fulfill its primary responsibilities as well as its social obligations.


Global Times