China Moves to Tighten Online Child Protection
Authorities responsible for cyberspace governance in China have announced new measures to classify online content in order to protect the physical and mental health of minors. In a statement released by the Cyberspace Administration of China, it was noted that the regulation aims to adapt to the rapidly changing internet environment and to more effectively safeguard children and young people from online risks.
The measures, jointly developed by top authorities responsible for cyberspace affairs, publishing, film, education, industry and information technology, public security, culture and tourism, as well as radio and television, will come into force on March 1. The regulation has been formulated in line with the Regulations on the Protection of Minors Online.
Under the new framework, online content that may negatively affect the physical and mental well-being of minors has been classified into four main categories. These categories clearly define the key characteristics of such content and the risks it poses. Prominent issues from recent years, including the misuse of images of minors, have also been incorporated into the regulatory scope.
Authorities have additionally developed preventive guidelines to address risks associated with emerging technologies, such as algorithmic content recommendations and generative artificial intelligence. Within this framework, internet platforms and content producers will be required to take both preventive and corrective measures against content that may harm the physical and mental health of children and adolescents.