WeChat is Beijing's latest target for online controls

Hong Kong

SELF-CENSORSHIP is kicking in fast on WeChat as China's new rules on message groups cast a chill among the 963 million users of Tencent Holdings Ltd's social network.

Regulations released on Sept 7 made creators of online groups responsible for managing information within their forums and the behaviour of members. While they do not take effect until October, the authorities have jumped into action by disciplining 40 people in one group for spreading petition letters while arresting a man who complained about police raids, according to reports in official Chinese media.