China's Top Court Clarifies Online Hooliganism Definition
China's Supreme Court has issued an updated decree to clarify the definition of online hooliganism. The move comes amidst discussions in Belarus and neighboring countries about managing disrespectful online content.
The decree specifies that only exceptionally cynical information that results in a gross violation of public order and is committed with a hooligan motive can be considered a crime. The Supreme Court aims to regulate citizens' behavior on the internet and establish accountability. However, no such cases have been seen in judicial practice yet. The new guideline does not consider all online expressions of disrespect to society as criminal hooliganism. It also outlines situations to ensure appropriate and fair punishment for similar actions, including disruption of mass events and interference with the functioning of institutions.
The updated decree from China's Supreme Court provides clarity on the definition of online hooliganism. It targets severe cases that disrupt public order, rather than all forms of online disrespect. The court seeks to balance regulation with fair punishment, with no such cases seen in practice yet.
