Regulatory updates - 2024
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 2024 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 2024
“Clean and Clear” 2024 Spring Festival Campaign
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) launched the annual “清朗·春节网络环境整治” campaign to crack down on harmful content and online misconduct during the Spring Festival period.
Official Source (CAC)
Public Notice of 33 Group Standards Including ‘APP Age Classification Requirements’
The Telecommunication Terminal Industry Association (TAF) released a draft of 33 standards, including specifications on age-appropriate app classification. These standards aim to improve content management for minors.
Official Notice (TAF)
March 2024
CAC Announces 2024 Annual “Clean and Clear” Campaign Plan
The CAC deployed a comprehensive plan to regulate misinformation, deepfakes, fake influencers, and other high-risk internet behaviors in its ongoing “清朗” initiative for the year.
Official Source (CAC)
Regulations on the Implementation of the Consumer Rights Protection Law
The State Council issued detailed implementation rules of the Consumer Protection Law, clarifying obligations for online platforms in areas such as digital contracts, refunds, and user consent.
Official Source (State Council)
April 2024
Action Against Traffic-Hungry Sensationalist Self-Media
The CAC launched a crackdown on self-media accounts engaging in unethical traffic-grabbing behavior, part of the “清朗·整治‘自媒体’无底线博流量” campaign.
Official Source (CAC)
Special Campaign on Illegal External Links
The CAC deployed a focused campaign to regulate illegal content linked from app platforms or external mini programs, with tighter scrutiny on redirect links and inter-app navigation.
Official Source (CAC)
May 2024
Interim Provisions on Online Anti-Unfair Competition
The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) released interim rules addressing abusive behaviors in internet competition, such as data hoarding and algorithmic suppression.
Official Document (SAMR)
Internet Government Application Security Management Regulations
Jointly issued by multiple departments, this regulation defines security and privacy standards for e-government applications and portals.
Official Source (CAC)
Draft Security Requirements for Generative AI Services
A public comment draft of the "Cybersecurity Technical Specification for Generative AI Services" outlines baseline standards for privacy, traceability, and risk control in LLM-powered applications.
Official Notice (TC260)
Draft Management Rules for Minors’ Online Gaming Spending
The Internet Society of China released draft guidelines on managing minors’ in-game payments and consumption behavior.
Official Source (ISC)
June 2024
Regulations on the Governance of Online Violence
The CAC introduced new rules to combat cyberbullying, coordinated attacks, and harassment across social platforms.
Official Document (CAC)
July 2024
“Clean and Clear” Summer Campaign for Minors’ Online Safety
The CAC launched a summer-focused inspection of platforms targeting underage users, addressing addictive content, improper advertising, and late-night push notifications.
Official Source (CAC)
Campaign to Clean Up Fake and Vulgar Livestream Content
This initiative aims to curb misleading content and exploitative monetization in livestreaming platforms.
Official Source (CAC)
August 2024
Law Enforcement Guidelines for Online Ad Identifiability
SAMR issued a final version of its guidelines to ensure clear marking of digital ads across platforms, especially in social media and influencer-driven content.
Official Document (SAMR)
Draft Supervision Rules for Micro-Loan Companies
China’s top financial regulator released new rules that would impose stricter compliance and capital requirements on small loan companies.
Official Source (NFRA)
September 2024
Regulations on Personal Fundraising Platforms
The Ministry of Civil Affairs released detailed rules to govern transparency, verification, and fraud control on platforms used for personal donations and medical fundraising.
Official Source (MCA)
Draft Rules for Generative Content Marking
The CAC proposed a method for labeling AI-generated content, requiring visual, audio, and metadata indicators.
Official Source (CAC)
Final Version of Cybersecurity Regulations for Data Handling
The State Council issued a comprehensive data governance framework under the title “Regulations on the Management of Cyber Data Security.”
Official Source (State Council)
October 2024
Syndicated Lending Regulations
New rules were released by the National Financial Regulatory Administration to standardize documentation and oversight in syndicated lending.
Official Source (NFRA)
November 2024
Revised Law on Cultural Relics Protection (2024)
The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress issued an updated version of the Cultural Relics Protection Law, relevant for apps engaging in virtual exhibitions or cultural commerce.
Official Source (NPC)
Guideline for Building “Minor Mode” in Mobile Apps
The CAC published a comprehensive guideline on implementing child-protection features including content restrictions and parental controls.
Official Source (CAC)
Management Alert on “Overbearing CEO” Themed Web Dramas
China's media regulator issued warnings about the misleading or inappropriate portrayal of relationships in short-form dramas.
The Source from Media Authority
Algorithm Governance Initiative
Four government agencies launched a coordinated campaign to clean up algorithmic abuses on large platforms.
Official Source (CAC)
December 2024
Seven Cases of Online Harm to Minors Published
The CAC released typical cases involving serious online harm to children, reinforcing the urgency of compliance with minor protection laws.
Official Source (CAC)
Draft Revision of the Anti-Unfair Competition Law
The National People’s Congress published a draft revision of China’s anti-unfair competition law, open for public consultation.
Official Source (NPC)
New Filing Rules for Asset Appraisal Firms
China’s Ministry of Finance and CSRC issued new requirements for valuation firms offering services in the securities sector.
Official Source (CSRC)
Contact Us
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.