Social Media Content Regulation in China: Analysis of English Language Wechat Accounts

Abstract

This study analyzed “social media content regulation in China: through an analysis of English Language Wechat accounts”. The research study used quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze English language Wechat channels, with the datasets of the use of English language in China as well as all legislative and legal frameworks for the media sector including all the practical obstacles for content in local and foreign languages including access, content creation and channels of content distribution and delivery. The study had three objectives. Those were: to study the content of Wechat subscription Channels in English language, to study the censorship role of social media in China and to study the role of English Language in Chinese society. Accordingly, the study had three research problems: 1. Was there a difference between China related news and international news in Wechat Channels? 2. What are the regulations in English Language Wechat Channels in China? 3. Which Wechat Channel published more English language content? Study looked through 27 Wechat pages and chose 9 most popular English Wechat channels in order to categorize their content into 4 categories as international news, China related content, promotional content and entertainment, & contentious material. According to the findings there were a total of 774 English articles published in Wechat channels. China Wire has also published English articles and there were 456 China related content in Wechat channels. The study showed that foreigners in China are disadvantaged in terms of content creation and distribution regardless of the language used. At the same time English language seems to provide at least some alternativeness in case of web-based content.