China: Closed consultation on draft Measures for the Administration of Online Games including content moderation regulation

On 22 January 2024, the National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA) closed the public consultation on the draft Measures for the Administration of Online Games including content moderation regulation. The draft measures require the implementation of a content self-review system by online game publishing units to ensure compliance with national standards and norms. The draft measures outline prohibited content for online games, including activities opposing constitutional principles, endangering national unity, divulging state secrets, inciting hatred or discrimination, and promoting obscenity or violence. Units operating games outside the country must comply with these prohibitions and respect Chinese culture and international rules. Furthermore, the measures prohibit the setting of compulsory battles in online games by publishing operations units and restrict excessive use and high-value consumption in online games. It prohibits inducing rewards for daily logins or top-ups and discourages high-priced virtual prop transactions. User recharge limits must be set, publicised, and accompanied by pop-up warnings for irrational consumption behaviours.