China proposes new internet regulation

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) recently published proposed new measures designed to regulate competition between internet information service providers and enhance supervision over the internet information service market, with comments due by Valentine's Day.

Overview

The MIIT has commenced consultation on the Provisional Measures for the Supervision and Administration of the Internet Information Service Market Order (Draft For Comments) (Draft Measures), seemingly in attempt to avoid further disputes similar to the recent conflict between Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Limited and Beijing Qihoo Technology Limited (detailed below). The Draft Measures introduce a framework for the regulation of unacceptable behaviour by internet information service providers (Providers) in respect of their online information services and products, and mandates a dispute resolution mechanism. Prohibited activities include conduct deemed to be unfair