Update On Enforcement Of China's Cybersecurity Law

Companies doing business in China may see an increase in enforcement actions with the enactment of a new cybersecurity regulation and the enforcement powers of the Public Security Bureaus (PSBs) officially codified. The regulation – Provisions on Internet Security Supervision and Inspection by Public Security Organs – is now in effect, more than a year after the enactment of the country's Cybersecurity Law.

The long-awaited regulation was issued pursuant to the Cybersecurity Law and provides guidance on how the country's PSBs are expected to enforce the law. Specifically, under the new regulation, PSBs –China's local and provincial police– may conduct inspections of network operators and internet service providers. These include companies that provide internet access, data centers, content distribution, and domain name services; internet information services; internet access to the public; and other internet services.