A judicial interpretation released earlier this month says that internet users who spread false information that is defamatory or harms the national interest, could face up to three years in prison if their posts are viewed 5,000 times or forwarded 500 times.
Those who use the internet to defame or intimidate others, disrupt social order, or make up and spread false information, or organize others to do so, will face charges covering the crime of provocation.
The ruling also lists six major situations which are regarded as disrupting social order and harming national interests. They include rumors that result in mass incidents, social chaos, and ethnic and religious conflicts. Rumors that affect multiple people, damage the national image, or have negative international repercussions are also in this category.
But the interpretation also made it clear that those who unknowingly spread a rumor will not be considered criminally liable.
The court also made it clear that the ruling does not run contrary to fighting corruption online. It says people who report corruption claims that prove to be false, the person will not be held criminally liable.