3 Takeaways from China’s Recent Cyber Security Law

The China cyber security law was approved by the Chinese government on November 7th, 2016. The law is geared towards intensifying the control of state over the internet. Even though some of its stipulations weren’t new as they had been executed in an informal manner by a number of companies operating in China, the law further provides pertinent punishments for non-abidance.

It is noteworthy that this particular cyber security law is expected to have broader implications on technological companies present in Mainland China. Furthermore, the law also sets out certain areas that were previously not touched upon in detail.

Keep reading below to uncover three of the most crucial takeaways from China’s Cyber Security Law:

1.     China’s Cyber Security Law: Requirements for Real Name

The law ascertains that the anonymity of online users will not be put up with any more. This means that all the messaging services as well as social networking channels in China will ask users to authenticate their identities. Only actual names will be utilized and personal details of users will be verified by service providers – who also have full rights to reject services in case someone fails to comply.  

Even before the approval of this law, a number of Chinese internet businesses were following this crucial practice. However now, it has become an official obligation. Therefore, it is quite reasonable to anticipate some subsequent action impacting current users who still have not been verified appropriately. For accounts that fail to pass the verification stage, their accounts shall be suspended.  

2.     Forbidden Content

By law, network operators are now required to ban content and eliminate any illegal material. Furthermore, the law stipulates individual entities and organizations (using the network) to conform with the cyber laws and regulations in order to uphold public order and morality. 

In addition, the China Cyber Security Law elaborates on content that is deemed illegal to be published or shared online. It includes material that:

• Hampers state security,
• Promotes extremism and terrorism,  
• Provokes hatred and discrimination among ethnic groups,  
• Gives out immoral and sexual information,
• Insults or offends others,
• Creates chaos in the society,
• Harms interest of the people,
• Violates someone’s intellectual property or other legal rights.

3.     Localization of Data

According to the Article 31 of China’s New Cyber Security Law, all personal information regarding a citizen must be stored inside Chinese territories. Not just personal information, this law applies to other information obtained or generated in the course of operations, which must be saved on domestic servers. This clause is also applicable to network providers that have massive user databases.

This legal requirement has mostly impacted companies that are currently shifting users’ information across the borders. However, there are companies like Apple that have already saved information about their users locally. Violations of these laws can result in service suspensions, cancelation of business licenses, freezing of business assets etc. Partner with us as we help you establish your business in China, keeping all the legal stipulations and ramifications in mind. From translating emails into Chinese to Mandarin voice over, content marketing, SEO services and other online marketing tactics, we’ll have you covered for all. Simply call +1-877-2407 to contact our US and Canada offices.