New Internet Content and Governance Regulation
China's authorities have published a much-anticipated brand
new directive on internet content regulation and governance, which
will come into force on 1 March 2020. This law will require
organizations which host websites in China to make fundamental
changes to their website governance frameworks.
The changes specifically introduce the following:
- Broader scope of prohibited content:
in addition to the currently existing categories (e.g., defaming
national integrity and unity), the new law prohibits publication of
additional categories of content (e.g., materials that may defame
"national heroes" and materials which use hyperbolic
headlines and exaggerate the gravity of the matter reported,
etc.);
