The National Radio and Television Administration File photo: CFP

China's National Radio and Television Administration on Monday announced new regulation for agents in radio, television and network audiovisual sector, requiring agents to strictly manage information releases and stop hyping harmful information designed to trigger online fights between fans, lure fans to spend money or spread rumors.

Agents include institutions that offer signing, promotion and agency activities for actors, guests, hosts and network anchors participating in radio, television and network audiovisual programs.

Agents offering service to minors need to obtain the consent of their legal guardian in advance, and cannot offer services to young talent by means of intimidation, seduction or bribery. The legal rights and interests of minors, including their personal rights, property rights, right to receive education and right to work life balance, need to be protected according to law, and minors shall not be organized to engage in activities harmful to their physical and mental health, read the regulation.

Agents are required to strengthen the daily upkeep, supervision and management of the online accounts of the official fan groups of the service objects. They need to guide and regulate the behavior of fans, and cannot organize activities and gatherings that infringe upon the legitimate rights and interests of others, impair the physical and mental health of minors, or disturb social order.

There have been activities in the sector violating regulations and laws in recent years, including tax evasion, sky-high remuneration of actors and dual contracts exploiting legal loopholes. Also, there were cases of fan groups attacking each other on social media, with distorted facts or even rumors, poisoning the online space and compromising the cultural environment for minors. 

The situation has sparked concerns among the public and regulators have been taking measures to ensure the healthy development of the sector, including rolling out new regulations and punishing violators for tax evasion or other illegal activities. 

The latest example is that Chinese actress Jing Tian was fined 7.22 million yuan ($1.08 million) by the market regulator bureau in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong Province, on Saturday, as her endorsements of a product violated the Advertising Law.