China bans social media user after rooftop parachute stunt

Police in Chengdu detained a man who jumped off a residential tower in a parachute stunt intended to drive traffic to his social media profile, local authorities said.

The man, identified by police as Ren Moumou, made the jump from a high-rise in Chenghua District around 11 p.m. on June 30. He posted a video of the stunt the next day on his account, which had roughly 60,000 followers. He went by the online nickname "Parachuting Coach Kakashi" and had posted a similar video from another apartment rooftop in May 2024, according to reports from Jimu News and China National Radio.

Police said Ren claimed to be a professional parachuting instructor but does not hold a valid license, according to HK01. The department stated the jump seriously disrupted public order and endangered community safety.

Under China's Public Security Administration Punishments Law, individuals found guilty of such administrative violations can be detained for up to 15 days. The South China Morning Post reported that Ren's social media presence has been permanently terminated as part of the penalty.

Parachuting in China requires prior approval from relevant agencies and is only permitted at designated locations. Unauthorized jumps from public structures, especially high-rise buildings in urban areas, are prohibited. Police warned that anyone caught illegally parachuting from residential buildings or in densely populated areas will face legal consequences, and actions that constitute a criminal offense will result in prosecution.