Wèi Dōngyì Targeted in “Face-to-Face” Filming Incident: Over 5,000 Accounts Removed in Crackdown on Clickbait

In a move highlighting the ongoing battle against online sensationalism, authorities in Beijing are cracking down on “self-media” accounts exploiting the image of a highly respected academic, Professor We Dong Yi. The crackdown follows the viral spread of videos showing Professor We dining in a university cafeteria, where he was filmed at close range by multiple individuals.

The footage, which quickly circulated online, sparked intense debate, with many viewers expressing concerns over privacy and the lack of boundaries displayed by the individuals involved. Professor We, known for his profound contributions to mathematics, was seen in the videos continuing to eat his meal without acknowledging the cameras. This intimate public scrutiny ignited a firestorm of criticism.

Responding to the public outcry and the subsequent proliferation of copycat accounts seeking to capitalize on Professor We’s image for personal gain, the Beijing Cyberspace Administration has launched a robust enforcement effort. Since the professor established online accounts in early June, authorities have instructed major social media platforms, including Douyin, Kuaishou, and Weibo, to take swift and decisive action against those attempting to impersonate the professor, promote misleading content, and engage in other forms of manipulative marketing.

The results of this targeted effort are significant. Over 5,000 illegitimate accounts have been removed. Furthermore, the authorities have initiated investigations into the so-called “self-media” accounts that participated in the filming, the distribution, and the blatant attempts to generate clicks by exploiting the professor’s reputation. As of the latest reports, nearly 4,700 pieces of content focusing on the targeted exploitation of Professor We have been erased. In addition, 32 live-streaming rooms have been shut down, and 740 accounts associated with the problematic filming or misrepresentation of the situation have been suspended, restricted from making profits, or deactivated outright.

This aggressive response serves as a clear signal of the government’s dedication to creating a healthier digital ecosystem. It hopes to eliminate behaviors that encourage clickbait and sensationalism. The Beijing Cyberspace Administration has reaffirmed its commitment to sustained, long-term governance initiatives, including strengthened inter-departmental collaboration, to eradicate unethical activities both online and offline. A key aspect of this approach includes guiding online platforms to develop robust mechanisms of self-regulation while encouraging “self-media” content creators to embrace the fundamental idea that “positive content creates big traffic.”