China: Notice clarifying the registration process for online core education platforms

The Chinese Ministry of Education (MoE) has released guidelines regarding the registration process for online core education platforms. Regional governments are no longer permitted to approve new off-campus tutoring centers providing core education and need to re-approve existing ones (which must be registered as non-profit institutions). All current online education platforms must suspend new enrollments and payments until they have obtained the requisite permits and licenses. The registration assessment and approval process of online training institutions must be completed and a management system established by the end of 2021. In order to register, institutions must meet a number of logistical requirements, including having a physical office and training center at the registered address and using a server that is based in China. Additionally, off-campus education is now prohibited on weekends, public holidays, winter and summer vacations. Online lessons cannot last more than 30 minutes each, with a mandatory 10 minutes break in between and must end by 9 pm the latest. Furthermore, the person in charge of the institution must be a Chinese national living in China and restrictive requirements have been formulated for foreign tutors. Foreign educational content is prohibited and must adhere to the party's educational policies. Online education platforms must comply with China’s cybersecurity and data security laws, must create mechanisms for personal information protection and possibly undergo personal information impact assessments. Finally, regional governments must distinguish between training centers in sports, culture and art, and science and technology, and set standards for each category. If they do not meet the updated standards, their registration and Internet Information Service Business License will be revoked. These guidelines follow the revised regulation of private education by the Chinese government, which was published in April 2021 and came into force on 1 September 2021.