China: Adopted Regulations on the Ecological Governance of Online Information Content

On 15 December 2019, China's State Internet Information Office announced the adoption of the Regulations on the Ecological Governance of Online Information Content, containing requirements for producers of online information content, as well as for platforms hosting online information content and users of such platforms. Producers are encouraged to produce certain online information content, such as content promoting socialist values or Chinese culture. At the same time, producers are prohibited from producing, sharing, or publishing illegal information, including content which endangers national security, promotes terrorism, incites ethnic hatred, undermines state religious policies, spreads rumours or obscenity, and slanders other individuals. Finally, producers are required to prevent the producing or sharing of bad information, such as exaggerated content, wrong information on accidents and disasters, and content that is sexually provocative, cruel, or vulgar. Platforms are required to establish content management systems with the aim of promoting desirable content while preventing the publication and sharing of illegal information and discouraging the spread of bad information. Further, platforms should establish complaint and reporting mechanisms. Finally, the Regulations also contain provisions specifying the duties of users and encouraging them to take an active role in content moderation, with an additional role for online group moderators. The Regulations are implemented on 1 March 2020.