China Warns Kuaishou & Weibo Amid Crackdown on Celebrity Gossip

China’s Internet Regulator Tightens Grip on Social Media Platforms

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has issued stern warnings to two of the country’s largest platforms — Kuaishou Technology, the second-most popular short video app, and Weibo, the nation’s leading microblogging site. Both companies were accused of allowing excessive celebrity gossip to dominate their trending sections, which authorities say is “disrupting the online ecosystem” and fueling negative emotions among users.

According to the CAC, both platforms failed to adequately manage content and were therefore issued official warnings along with compliance deadlines. The move is part of a larger initiative aimed at curbing undesirable or harmful digital content across China’s rapidly growing social media and live-streaming sectors.

Kuaishou and Weibo Respond to the Crackdown

Following the regulator’s announcement, both companies released statements expressing their cooperation. Kuaishou said it had “immediately set up a task force to carry out rectification measures,” while Weibo admitted its shortcomings and promised to “reflect deeply on mistakes and strengthen oversight.” These responses highlight how seriously Chinese platforms take regulatory intervention in the highly scrutinized internet sector.

Wider Online Content Investigation in China

The CAC’s latest action is not isolated. Earlier this month, lifestyle app RedNote received a similar disciplinary notice. Regulators argue that trending topics filled with gossip and speculation are “viciously stimulating negative emotions”, which contradicts the government’s goal of fostering a healthier digital environment.

This initiative forms part of a two-month nationwide investigation into online platforms, specifically targeting short videos, social media, and live-streaming sites. By reducing the dominance of celebrity gossip, Chinese authorities aim to reshape the internet into a space more aligned with cultural and political priorities.

Kuaishou Faces Separate Market Regulation Probe

Beyond the content crackdown, Kuaishou is also under investigation by the State Administration for Market Regulation. Authorities have accused a subsidiary of malpractice in its live-streaming e-commerce business. The company, however, assured it is cooperating fully and working on corrective steps.

Kuaishou Expands into Artificial Intelligence

Despite regulatory pressures, Kuaishou continues to invest heavily in artificial intelligence. At the Busan Film Festival in South Korea, the company introduced Kling AI Video 2.5, its upgraded AI video generation model. This tool offers improved cinematic quality, more dynamic scene creation, and enhanced responsiveness to complex prompts — positioning Kuaishou as a global AI innovator.

Zeng Yushen, head of operations at Kling AI, emphasized that the new tool allows creators to produce “more cinematic scenes with emotional depth.” Already, Kling AI has attracted over 45 million users across 149 countries, generating more than 400 million images and 200 million video clips. Its client base spans developers, advertisers, and the film industry.

Weibo and Kuaishou Market Impact

Financial markets reacted modestly to the news. Kuaishou’s shares dropped by 2.37% to close at HK$74, while Weibo slipped 0.1% to HK$97.50 in Hong Kong trading on Monday. These declines suggest investor caution amid rising regulatory pressure on China’s internet sector.

Conclusion

The latest China internet crackdown 2025 underscores Beijing’s determination to regulate the fast-evolving digital landscape. With Kuaishou, Weibo, and RedNote all facing scrutiny, the message is clear: platforms must prioritize content moderation and align with state directives. At the same time, innovations like Kling AI show how Chinese tech giants are seeking to balance compliance with global expansion.