Hasskstan blogger's prank video "backfires" in China

From Kazakh International News Agency: A series of "prank tests" videos shot by Kazakhstani blogger Aruzhan Aibekova in Guangzhou, China and other areas have sparked criticism locally.

What happened?

According to the Xiaoxiang Morning News, Aibekova and her team filmed videos themed around "testing public safety in China" on the streets of Guangzhou.

In one video, she pretended to steal a phone from a companion's pocket and quickly handed it to a passerby, then "exposed" the so-called theft.

In other prank videos, she tried to "test the reaction of Chinese men."

In the subway or on the street, she intentionally touched the feet or hands of strangers.

From the video, it can be seen that most men reacted coldly or were annoyed by her behavior and quickly left the scene afterwards.

Chinese society's response

These prank videos have sparked heated discussions on the Chinese internet.

On the Weibo platform, a user with the nickname "1024 Officer" told the Kazakhstani news agency:

"We don't oppose pranks in public places, but such behavior should have limits and shouldn't be disrespectful. These actions by the Kazakhstani blogger made people uncomfortable."

The Xiaoxiang Morning News wrote in its article:

"Traditional Chinese values teach people to 'be kind to others,' and the Chinese people have always been warm to every friendly foreign visitor. However, the kindness of the Chinese people is not material for entertainment, nor is it a tool to create topics or gain attention. The dignity of any ordinary person should not become a victim of a 'prank'."

Many people believe that such video filming infringes on others' rights and call for the issue to be submitted to the police. However, there is currently no confirmed information about Chinese police involvement.

China's legal regulations

According to Articles 1018 to 1020 of China's Civil Code, secretly filming and spreading others' images without permission may damage their rights and dignity, or lead to civil liability.

The Cybersecurity Law and the Network Audio-Visual Program Content Review Regulations prohibit the dissemination of false, defamatory, or indecent content. Such behavior may be considered as disturbing public order, and related videos may be deleted, and accounts may be banned.

The Public Security Administration Punishment Law stipulates that defamation or disturbing public order may result in fines or administrative detention, and in serious cases, defamation may constitute a criminal offense.

Additionally, the Entry and Exit Administration Law grants authorities the right to expel foreigners who disrupt public order or impose entry bans on them.

There are precedents of bloggers being severely punished in China for improper behavior. For example, in June this year, two Chinese bloggers, in pursuit of attention, wore patient uniforms and shouted and jumped loudly in the subway, causing passenger panic. The Chinese police identified their behavior as disrupting public transportation order and causing a negative social impact, and imposed administrative penalties on them.

Subsequent developments

Aruzhan Aibekova has deleted her prank videos on Instagram and requested the public not to spread these videos in her short-term dynamic, stating that she would "explain after returning to Kazakhstan." We tried to contact her, but were unable to make the call.

Pranks may be fun, but overdoing it will always lead to self-destruction, which is worth remembering. Therefore, in travel and visits, everyone should abide by the laws and cultural customs of the country they visit, jointly promoting the healthy development of cultural exchanges, to avoid similar disputes from happening again.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1838087461914635/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.