Zhejiang Province Urges Greater Oversight of Tech Giants' Online Traffic Power

On Thursday, the publicity department of Zhejiang’s provincial party committee released a commentary on social media calling for tighter oversight of major internet platforms and their “traffic power.” The officials warned that online traffic and algorithms have evolved into a force capable of shaping public discussion and sentiment, and that traffic can no longer be viewed simply as a data resource. The statement, issued by Communist Party officials in eastern China’s Zhejiang province, highlights concerns that the influence of large tech companies over digital traffic may affect how information circulates and how public opinion is formed. The commentary was posted from Hangzhou, the province’s capital, underscoring the local government’s intent to address the growing impact of online traffic on society.