Regulatory updates - 2023
Important Note
The regulatory updates listed below are for informational purposes only to help you better understand trends and directions in compliance. They do not represent the current full list of compliance requirements or review criteria.
If you have any questions, please contact us.
This page summarizes key regulatory developments in China during 2023 that impact mobile app developers, publishers, and platform operators. It includes official policy releases, enforcement actions, and new standards related to data protection, content governance, and industry compliance.
All links point to official government sources or national standard bodies.
January 2023
"Clean and Bright 2023" Spring Festival Campaign Launched
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) initiated the "Clean and Bright 2023" campaign to improve the online environment during the Spring Festival, focusing on rectifying harmful content and promoting positive online culture.
Ministry of Education Issues Regulations on Standard Language Use in IT Products
The Ministry of Education released the "Regulations on the Use of Standard Language in Information Technology Products" to ensure proper use of the national language in software and applications.
February 2023
MIIT Issues Notice to Enhance Mobile Internet Application Services
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released a notice to further improve mobile internet application services, emphasizing user rights protection and service quality.
Central Propaganda Department Continues "Anti-Fake and Anti-Extortion" Campaign
The Central Propaganda Department continued its campaign against fake news and extortion, targeting unethical practices in media and online platforms.
March 2023
SAMR Releases "Internet Advertising Management Measures"
The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) published new measures to regulate internet advertising, aiming to protect consumer rights and ensure fair competition.
CAC Launches Campaign Against "Self-Media" Misconduct
The CAC initiated a campaign to address issues with "self-media" accounts, focusing on misinformation and unauthorized news dissemination.
April 2023
Five Ministries Issue Notice on Regulating Ride-Hailing Aggregator Platforms
The Ministry of Transport and four other departments released guidelines to standardize the management of ride-hailing aggregator platforms, ensuring safety and compliance.
May 2023
China Copyright Protection Center Announces Trial of Online Software Copyright Registration
The China Copyright Protection Center began a trial for online processing of software copyright registrations, streamlining the application process.
June 2023
CAC Conducts "Clean and Bright 2023" Summer Campaign for Minors
The CAC launched a summer campaign to protect minors online, focusing on removing harmful content and promoting a healthy online environment.
SAMR Issues Guidelines on Blind Box Business Practices (Trial)
SAMR released trial guidelines to regulate blind box sales, aiming to protect consumer rights and prevent misleading practices.
Supreme People's Court and Others Release Draft Opinion on Punishing Cyberbullying
The Supreme People's Court, along with other departments, issued a draft opinion on legally addressing cyberbullying and related online misconduct.
China Association of Performing Arts Releases Standards for Live Streaming Platforms
The China Association of Performing Arts published group standards for the operation of live streaming platforms, promoting industry self-regulation.
CAC Releases Draft Regulations on Proximity Network Information Services
The CAC issued a draft for managing proximity network information services, seeking public comments on the proposed regulations.
July 2023
CAC and Six Other Departments Release Interim Measures for Generative AI Services
Seven departments, including the CAC, jointly issued interim measures to regulate generative AI services, ensuring responsible development and use.
Telecommunications Terminal Industry Association Releases Six Group Standards on App User Rights Protection
The association published six group standards focusing on protecting user rights within mobile applications.
CAC Issues Notice on Strengthening "Self-Media" Management
The CAC released a notice to enhance the management of "self-media" accounts, aiming to curb misinformation and unauthorized content.
August 2023
MIIT Announces Mobile Internet Application Filing Requirements
The MIIT issued a notice requiring mobile internet applications to complete filing procedures, enhancing regulatory oversight.
National Information Security Standardization Technical Committee Releases Draft on Sensitive Personal Information Processing
The committee released a draft standard outlining security requirements for processing sensitive personal information.
Committee Releases Guidelines on Content Identification for Generative AI Services
Guidelines were issued to standardize content identification methods in generative AI services, promoting transparency and accountability.
SAMR Publishes Draft Enforcement Guidelines on Internet Advertising Identifiability
SAMR released a draft for public comment on enforcement guidelines to ensure the identifiability of internet advertisements.
September 2023
Ministry of Education Issues Interim Measures for Off-Campus Training Administrative Penalties
The Ministry of Education introduced interim measures to regulate penalties for off-campus training institutions, aiming to standardize the education sector.
NRTA, MIIT, and SAMR Jointly Issue Notice on Strengthening In-Car Audio and Video Management
Three departments released a joint notice to enhance the management of in-car audio and video systems, ensuring content compliance.
CAC Issues Guidelines on Strengthening Online Infringement Information Reporting
The CAC provided guidance on improving mechanisms for reporting online infringement information, enhancing user protection.
Telecommunications Terminal Association Publishes Ten Group Standards Including SDK Personal Information Collection Requirements
The association released ten group standards, including technical requirements for SDKs collecting personal information.
Supreme People's Court and Others Release Guidelines on Punishing Cyberbullying
Finalized guidelines were issued to legally address cyberbullying and related online misconduct.
CAC Launches "Clean and Bright" Campaign Targeting Life Service Platforms
The CAC initiated a campaign to rectify information content on life service platforms, promoting a healthier online environment.
October 2023
State Council Publishes "Regulations on the Protection of Minors in Cyberspace"
The State Council released regulations to enhance the protection of minors online, effective from January 1, 2024.
November 2023
CAC Launches "Clean and Bright" Campaign to Tackle Online Hostility
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) launched a targeted campaign to reduce online hostility and negative discourse. The campaign aims to clean up hate speech, harassment, and other toxic behaviors in online spaces.
NRTA Continues Regulation of Online Micro Dramas
The National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) announced intensified regulation of short-form online dramas, aiming to address content quality, intellectual property, and publication licensing.
December 2023
NPPA Issues Draft of Online Game Management Measures
The National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA) published a draft for public comment on new regulations for the management of online games, covering publishing procedures, anti-addiction systems, and in-game monetization.
CAC Conducts Campaign on Harmful Short Video Content
The CAC conducted another round of the "Clean and Bright" campaign, focusing on curbing inappropriate and misleading content in short video platforms.
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Have questions about any regulatory developments? Our compliance team can help. Contact us to discuss how these changes may affect your app's distribution and operations in China.