Chinese Social Media Platforms Fail to Tackle Widespread Online Racism, HRW Reports
Chinese social media platforms are falling short in addressing and curbing the prevalence of online racism, according to a recent analysis conducted by Human Rights Watch (HRW). The study examined hundreds of videos posted on popular Chinese platforms such as Bilibili, Douyin, Kuaishou, Weibo, and Xiaohongshu, and found that racist content goes largely unaddressed by these platforms.
The research discovered a significant number of videos on Chinese social media that target black individuals, often using offensive racial stereotypes or portraying them as primitive or impoverished. Many of these videos are created by Chinese content creators who depict themselves as wealthy saviors in contrast to the African people portrayed.
One particular video posted on Douyin earlier this year showed an African woman washing her hands in a modest hut before drinking homemade alcohol from a muddy container. The caption of the video, which received 12,000 likes, included hashtags such as #LifeInAfrica, #cleanandhygienic, and #PrimitiveTribe. Negative comments expressing derogatory sentiments were also present, with one comment stating, Thank you to my eight generations of ancestors for giving birth to me in China.
The analysis by HRW also revealed the prevalence of videos that denigrate interracial relationships, specifically those between black men and Chinese women. These videos contain both racist and misogynistic content. HRW further found that Chinese women who share images on social media platforms featuring their black male partners often face online harassment, including death threats, rape threats, and doxing.
Additionally, Chinese individuals who support victims of anti-black racism in China have been labeled as traitors online. Although Chinese authorities have condemned online racism, particularly when faced with backlash, HRW argues that major social media platforms in China are not adequately addressing racist content, despite publishing community guidelines that prohibit racial or ethnic hatred and discrimination.
While platforms employ thousands of content moderators to remove politically sensitive content in line with Beijing’s censorship policies, content critical of the government or discussing economic grievances is often swiftly deleted. In contrast, content derogatory towards ethnic minorities remains online and garners significant engagement in the form of likes or positive comments.
Human Rights Watch asserts that the proliferation and extremity of racist content on Chinese social media platforms indicate that these platforms are either not enforcing their own guidelines against racist content or that their policies are insufficient in combating racism, both of which go against their human rights responsibilities.
An expert in Chinese social media, Manya Koetse, Editor-in-Chief of Whats on Weibo, noted that racist videos on Weibo, for example, were removed more promptly after the release of a BBC Africa Eye documentary. However, Koetse explains that there is a differing perception of what constitutes racist content against black people in China compared to the West.
Yaqiu Wang, Senior China Researcher at Human Rights Watch, highlights the inconsistency in the Chinese government’s attitude toward racism. While promoting China-Africa anti-colonial solidarity and unity, the government overlooks the pervasive hate speech against black individuals on Chinese social media platforms.
In response to HRW’s findings, Douyin stated that they take action against over 300 videos and comments per day that include violative content targeted at black individuals. HRW has reached out to ByteDance (Douyin’s parent company), Bilibili, Kuaishou, Weibo, and Xiaohongshu for comment.
The failure of Chinese social media platforms to address online racism highlights the need for more effective and consistent moderation policies and enforcement. With their extensive user bases and influence, these platforms have a responsibility to create inclusive and safe online spaces for all individuals, irrespective of race or ethnicity.
