The Cyberspace Administration of China, together with four other departments, jointly issued the "Regulations on the Administration of Multi-channel Distribution Services for Internet Information Content" last Friday (May 29), which will take effect on September 1. The relevant official of the Cyberspace Administration of China stated that the Regulations aim to promote the standardized and healthy development of multi-channel distribution services for internet information content, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of citizens, legal persons and other organizations, and foster a sound online ecosystem.

The Regulations require that institutions providing multi-channel distribution services for internet information content must complete business entity registration in accordance with the law and obtain the relevant administrative permits. Platforms are required to sign entry agreements with such institutions and promptly file their entry information with the provincial-level cyberspace administration authorities where they are located. Platforms must also prominently display on the public account information page of contracted internet users the name of the institution to which the account belongs.

The Regulations stipulate that institutions providing multi-channel distribution services for internet information content must verify the identities of operators of internet user public accounts in accordance with the law, fulfill information security management obligations as required by law and contract, and assist and supervise operators in complying with information security management requirements. The Regulations encourage the production and dissemination of positive content, specify management obligations regarding illegal and harmful information, and clearly prohibit acts that confuse or mislead the public, disrupt the order of internet information services, or seek improper benefits. They also strengthen the protection of minors online, explicitly prohibiting the provision of online live streaming publishing-related services to minors under the age of 16. In addition, the Regulations enhance the management of online live streaming marketing activities by requiring the establishment of standardized product selection mechanisms and error-correction mechanisms for live-streamed goods. Legal liabilities for relevant violations are also clarified. (jl/da)