Administrative Measures for Content Management Personnel in Internet News Information Services Entities(Mainland China)

2017.10.30
Joline Chen

On October 30, 2017, the Cyberspace Administration of China promulgated the Administrative Measures for Content Management Personnel in Internet News Information Services Entities ( the “Measures”), which went into effect on December 1, 2017. The Measures seek to promote orderly development of news information services on the Internet and enhance the administration of content management personnel as well as safeguard the rights and interests of the general public.  The Measures are highlighted below:

  1. The Measures first determine its scope and subject of application by defining the relevant personnel and the Internet news information service entity, while confirming the regulatory responsibilities of the Cyberspace Administration of China.
  2. Articles 5 through 8 of the Measures specifically enumerate the code of conduct for the personnel, which require them to comply with the Constitution and laws and regulations, adhere to a Marxist journalism philosophy, follow the professional code of ethics for journalism and refrain from engaging in any paid news activities.
  3. The Measures also provide for the contents, forms, duration, management requirements and the management body with respect to the education and training of the personnel so that they may adapt to new trends and demands. Internet news information service entities are required to fulfill their principal responsibilities and establish a comprehensive educational and training system for the personnel.

4. The Measures sets up a comprehensive regulatory and administrative system for the personnel primarily in two aspects. One is the administrative measures of Internet information departments, which are required to enhance the administration of personnel, the backup of information systems, the creation of credit files and blacklists, and the appropriate measures to take against illegal acts.  The other relates to the administrative measures of Internet news information service entities and involves enhanced regular management and education of personnel and imposing administrative and penal measures against them for violations.