China cracks down on AI ‘slop’, clearing out clutter from WeChat, RedNote, Douyin

China is cracking down on artificial intelligence-generated “slop” – low-grade, mass-produced synthetic content cluttering social media and news feeds – as part of a sweeping campaign against the abuse of the generative technology, the country’s top internet watchdog said on Wednesday.

In a statement posted to its website, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said it had scrubbed more than 5.61 million pieces of harmful or illegal content and removed some 49,000 accounts during its latest enforcement drive.

The clampdown swept up 2,400 websites and apps, targeting some of China’s biggest digital spaces, including TikTok’s sister app Douyin and rival Kuaishou, as well as RedNote and Tencent Holdings’ WeChat.