Improving the Long-Term Mechanism for Online Ecological Governance with Systematic Thinking

Cyberspace has become a new field for people’s production and daily life, a new home for the spiritual life of the populace, and a new frontier for national governance. Online ecological governance bears on national development and security, and on the vital interests of the people. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has placed online ecological governance in an important position, striving to create a cyberspace where the main theme is elevated and positive energy is abundant, striking hard to rectify various online disorders. China’s online ecology has markedly improved, and a long-term mechanism for online ecological governance has been basically established. At the same time, it must be clearly recognized that online ecological governance is both a tough battle and a protracted war, facing many new tasks, new issues, and new challenges. China’s cybersecurity situation remains complex and severe. General Secretary Xi Jinping, when presiding over the 23rd collective study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, emphasized: “We must improve the long-term mechanism for online ecological governance, strive to enhance the foresight, precision, systematicness, and synergy of governance, and continuously create a clean and righteous cyberspace.” [1]1 This refers to the 23rd collective study session of the Political Bureau of the 20th CPC Central Committee, held in July 2024, which focused on cybersecurity and informatization. Realizing the fundamental transformation of online ecological governance from extensive to refined, from “being able to manage” to “governing well,” is inseparable from the scientific guidance of the systematic concept. It requires running systematic thinking through the entire process and all aspects of governance, establishing and improving a long-term mechanism that addresses both symptoms and root causes, is synergistic and efficient, and develops dynamically, promoting the healthy and orderly development of cyberspace, and providing reliable cybersecurity guarantees for the great cause of building a strong country and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

网络空间已成为人们生产生活的新场域、民众精神生活的新家园和国家治理的新疆域，网络生态治理事关国家发展和安全，事关人民群众切身利益。党的十八大以来，以习近平同志为核心的党中央把网络生态治理摆在重要位置，着力营造主旋律高扬、正能量充沛的网络空间，重拳出击整治各类网络乱象，我国网络生态明显好转，网络生态治理长效机制基本构建。与此同时，也要清醒地认识到，网络生态治理是一场攻坚战，也是一场持久战，面临着诸多新任务新课题新挑战，我国网络安全形势依然复杂严峻。习近平总书记在主持中共中央政治局第二十三次集体学习时强调：“要健全网络生态治理长效机制，着力提升治理的前瞻性、精准性、系统性、协同性，持续营造风清气正的网络空间。”实现网络生态治理从粗放型到精细化、从“管得住”到“治得好”的根本转变，离不开系统观念的科学指导，需要将系统思维贯穿治理全过程和各方面，建立健全标本兼治、协同高效、动态发展的长效机制，促进网络空间健康有序发展，为强国建设、民族复兴伟业提供可靠的网络安全保障。

Strengthen overall planning, play the “one game of chess” of online ecological governance

加强整体谋划，下好网络生态治理“一盘棋”

Systematic thinking requires proceeding from the holism of things, being adept at grasping the internal connections between different elements, and understanding and reflecting the overall picture of things from the interrelationships and interactions between parts and the whole. Online ecological governance is a vast social systems engineering project, requiring the firm establishment of a “one game of chess” systematic thinking, achieving overall consideration, systematic planning, and holistic advancement, avoiding the governance dilemma of “treating the head when the head aches, treating the foot when the foot hurts.” First, improve top-level design. To grasp online ecological governance with systematic thinking, the primary prerequisite is to fully recognize the important position of this project in national governance, view problems from the height of the overall strategy and the overall development situation, scientifically formulate development plans, clarify governance objectives, principles and policies, path choices, etc., improve the comprehensive cyberspace governance system, enhance the capability and level of network management and governance, and continuously advance the modernization of the online ecological governance system and governance capability. Second, break down governance barriers. In the practice of network governance, some local and departmental network platforms have problems such as fragmented data information, blurred boundaries between public and private, and dispersed main forces. Some platforms have unhealthy tendencies such as “emphasizing development, neglecting governance” and “emphasizing traffic, neglecting responsibility.” These cyberspaces may breed into “places beyond the law” or “opinion enclaves.” Adhering to systematic thinking requires vigorously promoting the establishment of an integrated online ecological governance command and coordination mechanism and joint law enforcement forces, forming a multi-departmental synergistic governance force, eradicating stubborn and chronic diseases of network governance, and enhancing overall governance effectiveness. Third, coordinate the relationship between vitality and order, development and security. A healthy online ecology is not only vibrant and full of development vitality but also orderly. Systematic thinking requires governance practitioners to learn to “play the piano,” [2]2 “Play the piano” is a metaphor from Mao Zedong, meaning to coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously, like a pianist using all ten fingers. grasp the dialectics of “letting go” and “managing” in online ecological governance. It is necessary to both “let go,” providing sufficient development space for new technologies, new business forms, and new models, and “manage well,” making great efforts to maintain and build a cyberspace that is clear and bright, has a good ecology, and conforms to the interests of the people, achieving a dynamic balance between high-quality development and high-level security.

系统思维要求从事物的整体性出发，善于把握不同要素之间的内部联系，善于从局部与全局的相互关系、相互作用中把握和反映事物的全貌。网络生态治理是一项庞大的社会系统工程，需要牢固树立“一盘棋”的系统思维，做到统筹兼顾、系统谋划、整体推进，避免发生“头痛医头、脚痛医脚”的治理困境。一要完善顶层设计。以系统思维抓网络生态治理，首要前提是充分认识该工程在国家治理中的重要地位，从整体战略和发展全局的高度看问题，科学制定发展规划，明确治理目标、原则方针、路径选择等，健全网络综合治理体系，提升管网治网能力水平，不断推进网络生态治理体系和治理能力现代化。二要打破治理壁垒。在网络治理实践中，有些地方和部门的网络平台存在着数据信息割裂、公私界限模糊、主体力量分散等问题，有的平台存在着“重发展、轻治理”“重流量、轻责任”等不良倾向，这些网络空间可能会滋生为“法外之地”“舆论飞地”。坚持系统思维就要大力推动建立一体化的网络生态治理指挥协调机制和联合执法力量，形成多部门协同的治理合力，根除网络治理顽瘴痼疾，提升治理整体效能。三要统筹活力与秩序、发展与安全的关系。一个健康的网络生态不仅生机勃勃、充满发展活力，而且秩序井然。系统思维要求治理者学会“弹钢琴”，把握好网络生态治理“放”与“管”的辩证法，既要“放得开”，为新技术、新业态、新模式等提供充足发展空间，又要“管得好”，下大力气维护和建设好天朗气清、生态良好、符合人民利益的网络空间，实现高质量发展与高水平安全的动态平衡。

Optimize structural layout, clarify the “responsibility document” of online ecological governance

优化结构布局，明晰网络生态治理“责任书”

To grasp online ecological governance with systematic thinking, it is necessary to scientifically design and continuously optimize the internal structure of the governance system. The core is to clarify powers and responsibilities, identify priorities, and implement classified measures. First, build a governance structure of multi-subject synergy and equal powers and responsibilities. Online ecological governance is a common responsibility of the whole society. It is not a “solo piece” relying solely on the government or individuals, but a “symphony” with the participation of multiple subjects. It is necessary to unswervingly adhere to the principle of the Party managing the internet, and strengthen the Party’s overall leadership over online ecological governance work. Leverage the role of the government, set standards, draw bottom lines, strengthen supervision, strictly enforce the law, and safeguard a fair and just network environment. Consolidate platform responsibilities, ensuring that in terms of content review, data security, privacy protection, algorithm recommendation, ethical risks, etc., they are responsible for their own territory and fulfill their duties. Promote social supervision, through public participation, information disclosure, media supervision, industry self-discipline, third-party evaluation, etc., turn the internet into an important carrier for listening to public opinion, gathering public wisdom, and pooling public strength, and a civilized home that transmits warmth, ignites hope, and stimulates vitality. Through learning and education, enhance network literacy and legal awareness, guide the vast number of netizens to consciously abide by and maintain network order, and promote the formation of a good governance situation where everyone fulfills their responsibilities. In summary, systematic thinking requires all governance subjects to clarify their respective responsibilities and tasks, forming a comprehensive network governance pattern with multi-subject participation including Party committee leadership, government management, enterprise performance of responsibilities, social supervision, and netizen self-discipline, and combining multiple means such as economy, law, and technology. Second, implement governance strategies of precise identification and classified measures. Conduct structural analysis of governance objects, and adopt differentiated governance strategies based on the nature, harm, and causes of different problems. For blatant illegal and disciplinary behaviors such as cyber violence, online rumors, and online fraud, impose severe punishment according to law, forming a strong deterrent. For undesirable cultural phenomena such as “fan circle” chaos, online “three vulgarities,” [3]3 “Three vulgarities” (san su) refers to vulgar, kitsch, and philistine content online. and cyberbullying, comprehensively use moral constraints, industry norms, and positive guidance to eliminate the bad and promote the good. For technical and ethical issues such as algorithm discrimination, big data “price discrimination against familiar customers,” and information cocoons, start from technical principles and rule design, promote algorithm transparency and technology for good.

以系统思维抓网络生态治理，需要对治理体系的内在结构进行科学设计和持续优化，核心是厘清权责、明确重点、分类施策。一要构建多元协同、权责对等的治理结构。网络生态治理是全社会的共同责任，不是单纯依靠政府或个人的“独奏曲”，而是多元主体共同参与的“交响乐”。必须毫不动摇地坚持党管互联网原则，加强党对网络生态治理工作的全面领导。发挥政府作用，定标准、划底线、强监管、严执法，守护公平正义的网络环境。压实平台责任，确保在内容审查、数据安全、隐私保护、算法推荐、伦理风险等方面守土有责、守土尽责。发扬社会监督，通过公众参与、信息公开、媒体监督、行业自律、第三方评估等方式，将互联网打造成为听民意、汇民智、聚民力的重要载体，成为传递温暖、点亮希望、激发活力的文明家园。通过学习教育提升网络素养和法治意识，引导广大网民自觉遵守和维护网络秩序，推动形成人人尽责的良好治理局面。概言之，系统思维要求所有治理主体明晰各自职责和任务，形成党委领导、政府管理、企业履责、社会监督、网民自律等多主体参与，经济、法律、技术等多种手段相结合的综合治网格局。二要实施精准识别、分类施策的治理策略。对治理客体进行结构化分析，根据不同问题的性质、危害及其成因，采取差异化治理策略。对于网络暴力、网络谣言、网络诈骗等公然违法违规行为，依法给予严惩，形成强大震慑。对于“饭圈”乱象、网络“三俗”、网络欺凌等不良文化现象，综合运用道德约束、行业规范、正面引导等方式激浊扬清。对于算法歧视、大数据“杀熟”、信息茧房等技术和伦理问题，则从技术原理和规则设计入手，推动算法透明和技术向善。

Implement dynamic adjustment, fight the “active battle” of online ecological governance

实行动态调整，打响网络生态治理“主动仗”

Systematic thinking emphasizes that the connections between things are not static “collections of ready-made things,” but dynamic “collections of processes.” The fast pace of cyberspace determines that online ecological governance is necessarily a dynamic, adaptive process, requiring us to assess the situation, seize opportunities in a timely manner, and take the initiative. First, establish a cutting-edge technology tracking and research mechanism. For disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum information, blockchain, and large models that may reshape the pattern of online ecology, specialized scientific research institutions or higher education institutions should be set up to closely track and study global technology frontiers, deeply analyze their huge impact and far-reaching influence on content production, dissemination methods, social interaction, ethics and law, etc. Through trend analysis and forward-looking research and judgment of technology paths, application scenarios, and public opinion risks, consciously enhance risk awareness, strengthen risk prevention and control capabilities, and effectively play the “first move” in risk prevention. Second, improve a dynamic monitoring and early warning system based on big data. Fully utilize digital and intelligent technologies such as 5G, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things to build a comprehensive and sensitive “barometer” of the online ecology. Conduct all-weather, multi-dimensional real-time perception and dynamic monitoring of public opinion hotspots, sensitive topics, abnormal traffic, new types of cybercrime methods, etc., pre-identify potential risks, proactively adjust response means and strategies, and buy valuable time for precise risk intervention. Third, form a rapid iterative policy adjustment capability. The rapid development and revolutionary changes of internet technology impose stricter requirements on policymakers, requiring governance policies not only to respond quickly but also to iterate and innovate. Explore the establishment of a “regulatory sandbox” mechanism, that is, provide testing space for policy innovation in a controllable environment, and optimize governance rules accordingly; establish a regular policy evaluation and cleanup mechanism to ensure the timeliness and accuracy of policies, and ensure that governance tools always maintain an efficient and strong state.

系统思维强调事物之间的联系不是静止不变的“既成事物的集合体”，而是运动变化的“过程的集合体”。网络空间的快节奏，决定了网络生态治理必然是动态的、自适应性过程，需要我们审时度势，及时把握时机并主动出击。一要建立前沿技术跟踪研究机制。对于人工智能、量子信息、区块链、大模型等可能重塑网络生态格局的颠覆性技术，应设立专业科研机构或通过高等院校，密切追踪研究全球技术前沿，深入分析它们对内容生产、传播方式、社会交往、伦理法律等带来的巨大冲击和深远影响。通过对技术路径、应用场景、舆情风险等的趋势性分析和前瞻性研判，自觉增强风险意识，增强风险防控本领，切实下好风险防范“先手棋”。二要完善基于大数据的动态监测预警系统。充分利用5G、云计算、人工智能、物联网等数智技术，构建覆盖全面、反应灵敏的网络生态“晴雨表”。对舆论热点、敏感话题、异常流量、新型网络犯罪手法等进行全天候、多维度的实时感知与动态监测，预先识别潜在风险，主动调整应对手段和策略，为精准干预风险赢得宝贵时间。三要形成快速迭代的政策调整能力。互联网技术的迅猛发展和革命性变革，对政策制定者提出更加严格的要求，要求治理政策不仅要快速响应，还要迭代创新。探索建立“监管沙盒”机制，即在可控环境中为政策创新提供测试空间，并据此优化治理规则；建立政策定期评估与清理机制，确保政策的时效性和准确性，确保治理工具始终保持高效强劲状态。

Emphasize synergy of means, play the “combined fist” of online ecological governance

注重手段协同，打好网络生态治理“组合拳”

Systematic thinking is comprehensive thinking. The complex causes of online ecosystem problems determine that governance measures must be diversified. We should comprehensively employ means such as the rule of law, technology, management, education, rewards and punishments, fully mobilize forces from all sides, and strengthen coordination and cooperation among policies, so that they move in the same direction and exert joint force. First, the rule of law and technology go hand in hand. Grasping online ecosystem governance with systematic thinking cannot be separated from the two-way empowerment and dual support of the rule of law and technology. It is necessary both to improve the system of laws and regulations for online governance, ensuring that all online behavior management has legal basis, and to be adept at using digital-intelligent technologies to solve online governance problems, enhance governance efficiency, and provide technical support for the implementation of rule-of-law policies. Second, regulation and guidance are used together. Grasping online ecosystem governance with systematic thinking, on the one hand, uses mandatory provisions to constrain all governance subjects to act in accordance with regulations and manage according to law, especially requiring all levels and departments to strengthen the political responsibility and leadership responsibility for managing and governing the internet; on the other hand, uses encouraging provisions to guide governance subjects to act actively and explore boldly, shaping cyberspace with mainstream values, mainstream public opinion, and mainstream culture, launching more online works with substance, warmth, and influence, so that "good voices" become "the strongest voices," making the internet an important front for ideological guidance, moral cultivation, and cultural inheritance. Third, incentives and constraints are given equal weight. Grasping online ecosystem governance with systematic thinking requires establishing a scientific evaluation and reward-punishment mechanism. For governance subjects that actively fulfill their duties and responsibilities, positive incentives such as commendations, recognition, and policy preferences can be given. For governance subjects that are derelict in their duties, punishment should be imposed through criticism, education, rectification, and penalties. Through a clear reward-punishment mechanism and policy orientation, governance subjects are guided from "I am told to govern" to "I want to govern," activating their endogenous motivation to participate in online ecosystem governance, and promoting the improvement and perfection of the long-term mechanism for online ecosystem governance.

系统思维是综合思维，网络生态问题成因复杂，决定了治理手段必须多样化，应综合运用法治、技术、管理、教育、奖惩等手段，充分调动各方力量，强化政策之间的协同与配合，同向同行同发力。一是法治与技术并行。以系统思维抓网络生态治理，离不开法治与技术的双向赋能和双重加持，既要完善网络治理的法律法规体系，做到所有网络行为管理均有法可依，又要善于运用数智技术破解网络治理难题，提升治理效能，为法治政策落地提供技术支撑。二是规范与引导并用。以系统思维抓网络生态治理，一方面通过强制性规定约束各治理主体依规行事和依法管理，特别是各级各部门要强化管网治网的政治责任和领导责任；另一方面，通过鼓励性规定引导治理主体积极作为、勇于探索，以主流价值、主流舆论、主流文化塑造网络空间，推出更多有内涵、有温度、有影响的网络作品，让“好声音”成为“最强音”，使互联网成为思想引领、道德培育、文化传承的重要阵地。三是激励与约束并重。以系统思维抓网络生态治理，需要建立科学的评价与奖惩机制。对于积极履职尽责的治理主体，可给予表扬表彰、政策倾斜等正向激励。对于渎职失责的治理主体，要通过批评教育、整改处罚等方式予以惩戒。通过鲜明的奖惩机制和政策导向，引导治理主体从“要我治”到“我要治”，激活其参与网络生态治理的内生动力，推动网络生态治理长效机制的健全和完善。

(Authors: Yao Hongzhi, Liu Dong, respectively Researcher of the Anhui Provincial Research Center for the Theoretical System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and Dean of the School of Marxism at Anhui Normal University, and Lecturer at the School of Marxism at Anhui Normal University)

（作者：姚宏志 刘 东，分别系安徽省中国特色社会主义理论体系研究中心研究员、安徽师范大学马克思主义学院院长，安徽师范大学马克思主义学院讲师）