The following example of censorship instructions, issued to the media and/or Internet companies by various central (and sometimes local) government authorities, has been leaked and distributed online. Chinese journalists and bloggers often refer to those instructions as “Directives from the Ministry of Truth.” CDT has collected the selections we translate here from a variety of sources and has checked them against official Chinese media reports to confirm their implementation.
Since directives are sometimes communicated orally to journalists and editors, who then leak them online, the wording published here may not be exact. The original publication date is noted after the directives; the date given may indicate when the directive was leaked, rather than when it was issued. CDT does its utmost to verify dates and wording, but also takes precautions to protect the source.
Central Propaganda Department: All levels of the media must strictly vet reports on the so-called “end of the world.” Strengthen positive guidance and forcefully guard against the creation and spread of rumors, as well as working up panicked feelings. (December 10, 2012)
中宣部：各级媒体对所谓“世界末日”说法的报道，要严格把关，加强正面引导，大力防止造谣传谣，渲染恐慌情绪。
