On October 23, news emerged that on October 21, the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Information Technology, in conjunction with the Social Work Department of the Municipal Party Committee, the Cyberspace Administration of the Municipal Party Committee, the Municipal Public Security Bureau, the Municipal Market Supervision and Administration Bureau, and the Municipal Communications Administration, held a meeting. The purpose was to drive forward and execute a special campaign aimed at addressing online irregularities within Shanghai's automotive industry.

The meeting put forward three crucial requirements:

Firstly, automotive firms are mandated to carry out in-depth self-assessments and make necessary rectifications. They should consciously steer clear of online paid commenters (commonly known as "water armies"), "black PR" operations, malicious commentators (referred to as "black-mouthed" commentators), and disorderly behaviors associated with fan groups in the automotive "fan circle".

Secondly, online platforms are required to enhance their ability to identify and manage online paid commenters and malicious commentators. This can be achieved by leveraging technologies like generative artificial intelligence. Additionally, they should improve complaint-reporting functions for information that infringes upon the rights of enterprises, thereby preventing false information from misleading the public.

Thirdly, industry associations are expected to steer the industry towards self-regulation, forming a united front to purify the online public opinion environment within the automotive sector.

This special campaign is set to span three months, running from September to November 2025.