Part 9/12:
Many skeptics doubt the practicality of China’s facial recognition and real-name verification policies. Critics argue that minors and their parents will find ways to evade restrictions—from using their parents' accounts to physically circumvent restrictions, or through other technological loopholes. There are fears that the government may escalate enforcement efforts, possibly even probing households or initiating surveillance measures.
Broader Cultural Shift and Industry Response
The gaming industry is bracing for impact, with stocks of Chinese companies like Tencent facing declines. Notably, industry veterans and analysts have described Tencent as a "bad stock bet" even before the crackdown, but the recent news exacerbates existing concerns about regulation and profit margins.