China: Opened consultation on Guidelines for the Construction of Minor Mode of the Mobile Internet including content monitoring requirement

On 2 August 2023, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) opened a consultation on the draft Guidelines for the Construction of Minor Mode of the Mobile Internet until 2 September 2023. The Guidelines apply to mobile internet applications, mobile internet application distribution service platforms, and smart mobile terminals including smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and other smart wearable devices. The Guidelines introduce an age classification system and requirements to improve the “minor mode”. In particular, mobile internet information service providers are required to provide age-appropriate content services for minors and create exclusive content pools. In addition, content that induces addiction or is detrimental to the physical and mental health of minors is prohibited.