Security News > 2023 > January > Happy Lunar New Year: Beijing warns of enhanced surveillance during celebrations

The Cyberspace Administration of China has preempted celebrations for Lunar New Year - the Year of the Rabbit* commences on January 22 - by warning citizens to keep evidence of seasonal overindulgence off the internet.

The internet regulator warned it will investigate and take action on online flaunting of wealth and overeating during the seasonal celebrations that are marked with displays of generosity and abundance.

The CAC also banned the practice of "Waterfall-style New Year money" - a recent trend that sees people record video of themselves with a large stack of money distributed from rooftops or other heights in a manner that makes the cash look like a waterfall.

The latter is a nod to the fact that many Chinese citizens go home for the New Year, creating enormous movements from cities to rural areas.

Other internet behaviors Beijing wants to quash this season include online gambling and fraud, superstition and fortune telling, cyberbullying, influencers that hype up illegal activity or showcase prison life.

In Vietnam, which also observes the Lunar calendar, it will be the Year of the Cat.

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2023/01/20/chinese_new_year_surveillance/