Zhihu Web Page Issue Non-Logged-In Users Can't View Full Text
According to TapTechNews on May 27th, feedback from TapTechNews contributors shows that recently on the Zhihu web page, non-logged-in users cannot view the full text.
TapTechNews tested and took the content of the current top-ranking item on Zhihu as an example. Non-logged-in PC web users accessing the answer page of Zhihu, if they click on the 'Expand to read the full text', the platform will automatically popup a login window, and indeed, they cannot directly view the full text.
However, non-logged-in mobile web users can directly click on the 'Expand to read the full text' to view all the information without the need to log in or download the App.
Regarding this situation, the official Zhihu has not yet given a response.
In early March 2022, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology stated that some websites require users to download the App compulsorily when they browse page information as reported by netizens and the media. The Information and Communication Administration of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology attaches great importance to this and immediately organizes verification and held an administrative guidance meeting a few days ago to urge relevant Internet enterprises to carry out rectifications.
The meeting requires that relevant Internet enterprises should adhere to the people-centered development ideology, strictly abide by relevant laws and regulations, and always take safeguarding users' rights and interests and improving service experience as the fundamental to win users. They should conduct self-examinations and self-corrections, and resolutely correct existing problems.
When users browse page content, first, without the consent or active choice of users, Apps cannot be automatically or compulsorily downloaded. When recommending to download the App, a clear 'Cancel' option should be provided simultaneously to effectively protect users' right to know and right to choose.
Second, without reasonable and justifiable reasons, users cannot be required not to download the App and not be allowed to read or not be allowed to read the full text.
Third, users cannot be forced or misled to download, open the App, or jump to the app store by means of folding display, active pop-ups, frequent prompts, and degradation of experience, which affects users' normal browsing of information.
Zhihu's total revenue in 2023 was 4.1989 billion yuan, an increase of 16.5% compared to 2022; the net loss was 103.1 million yuan, a narrowing of 42.6% compared to the same period in 2022; the average monthly active users in the fourth quarter of 2023 reached 99 million.