China: Closed Consultation on Law on Administrative Penalties for Public Security including content moderation regulation

On 7 October 2023, the public consultation on the draft of the revised Law on Administrative Penalties for Public Security was closed. The regulation would add new punishable behaviours and adapt punishments. In the context of content moderation, Article 30 prohibits spreading of online articles and information that promote cults. In addition, Article 32 prohibits producing or spreading articles that undermine the Chinese spirit or hurt the Chinese nation. The penalties for a serious breach of Article 30 are detention between 10 and 15 days or a fine up to CNY 2'000. Breach of Article 32 is subject to detention up to ten days or a fine between CNY 1'000 and 3'000.