In a move that’s stirring up controversy across Chinese social media on 28 January 2026, China’s internet regulatory body has begun shutting down numerous celebrity gossip and fan rumor accounts that were accused of spreading sensationalized content and unverified inside scoops about stars. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) announced the crackdown as part of its ongoing effort to clean up “fan circle disorder” — targeting accounts that snapped paparazzi-style photos, published fake celebrity scoop headlines, or amplified unverified gossip purely for clicks and hype.
Official statements from the CAC condemned the behavior of some accounts for “fabricating or spreading false information under the guise of insiders,” saying that such practices not only harmed the reputations of public figures but also distorted online discourse. Several accounts were permanently banned across major platforms, and sources say more enforcement actions are expected.
The crackdown has ignited a mixed reaction from netizens: some welcome the cleanup as a way to protect artists and curb toxic fan wars, while others worry it may stifle independent commentary and free expression online. Fan community groups on Weibo and Xiaohongshu are buzzing with debates about whether this signals a broader tightening of cultural content controls or simply a crackdown on bad actors.
Whether this will actually calm down the notorious fan culture dramas — or just push the gossip underground — remains the subject of heated discussion among Chinese entertainment fans.
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