Official Chinese Government Policies
Here you will find English translations of official Chinese government laws, policies, and press releases related to mobile technology - particularly mobile apps and mobile games in China. Each includes a link to the original post on the web.
These are useful for developers who are publishing apps for the Chinese market, to ensure they are compliant with the latest laws and regulations.
Cyber Protection of Children's Personal Information
The Provisions on the Cyber Protection of Children's Personal Information are effective October 1, 2019.
Apr 21, 2022
The Provisions on the Cyber Protection of Children's Personal Information are effective October 1, 2019.
Cybersecurity Review Measures (2021)
The present Measures shall come into force on February 15, 2022, simultaneously repealing the Cybersecurity Review Measures promulgated on April 13, 2020.
Jan 7, 2022
The present Measures shall come into force on February 15, 2022, simultaneously repealing the Cybersecurity Review Measures promulgated on April 13, 2020.
Administration of Network Data Security (Exposure Draft)
CAC Notice for Soliciting Public Comments on the Regulations for the Administration of Network Data Security (Exposure Draft)
Nov 17, 2021
CAC Notice for Soliciting Public Comments on the Regulations for the Administration of Network Data Security (Exposure Draft)
Measures for the Security Assessment of Outbound Data (Exposure Draft)
Notice of the Cyberspace Administration of China on Seeking Public Comments on the Measures for the Security Assessment of Outbound Data (Exposure Draft)
Nov 4, 2021
Notice of the Cyberspace Administration of China on Seeking Public Comments on the Measures for the Security Assessment of Outbound Data (Exposure Draft)
Personal Information Protection Law of China
Personal Information Protection Law of the People's Republic of China
Aug 26, 2021
Personal Information Protection Law of the People's Republic of China
Data Security Law of the People's Republic of China
Data Security Law of the People's Republic of China
Aug 17, 2021
Data Security Law of the People's Republic of China
Administrative Provisions on Internet-based Audio-visual Program Services（Revised in 2015)
Promulgated under Decree [2007] No. 56 of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television and the Ministry of Information Industry on December 20, 2007, and revised on August 28, 2015.
Aug 3, 2021
Promulgated under Decree [2007] No. 56 of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television and the Ministry of Information Industry on December 20, 2007, and revised on August 28, 2015.
Opinions on Further Easing the Burden of Homework and Off-campus Training on Students in Compulsory Education Stage
Opinions on Further Easing the Burden of Homework and Off-campus Training on Students in Compulsory Education Stage
Aug 2, 2021
Opinions on Further Easing the Burden of Homework and Off-campus Training on Students in Compulsory Education Stage
Notice on Issuing the "Regulations on the Scope of Necessary Personal Information for Common Types of Mobile Internet Applications"
Chinese regulation outlining 39 different app types, identifies their basic functionalities, and what personal info is necessary to collect, if any, from user
Mar 22, 2021
Chinese regulation outlining 39 different app types, identifies their basic functionalities, and what personal info is necessary to collect, if any, from user
Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Online Transactions
E-commerce regulations providing standards and guidance, including that online marketplaces cannot force exclusivity agreements.
Mar 15, 2021
E-commerce regulations providing standards and guidance, including that online marketplaces cannot force exclusivity agreements.
Approval for publishing domestic online game works
Approval for publishing domestic online game works
Dec 7, 2020
Approval for publishing domestic online game works
Approval for publishing Internet game works authorized by overseas copyright owners
Approval for publishing Internet game works authorized by overseas copyright owners
Dec 7, 2020
Approval for publishing Internet game works authorized by overseas copyright owners
Implementing Measures of the People's Bank of China for Protection of Financial Consumers' Rights and Interests
Implementing Measures of the People's Bank of China for Protection of Financial Consumers' Rights and Interests in China.
Nov 1, 2020
Implementing Measures of the People's Bank of China for Protection of Financial Consumers' Rights and Interests in China.
Interim Provisions on the Review of Concentrations of Undertakings
Changes to the anti-monopoly law of China keeping firms from sharing consumer data, exclusivity arrangements, and other anti-competitive practices 经营者集中审查暂行规定
Oct 23, 2020
Changes to the anti-monopoly law of China keeping firms from sharing consumer data, exclusivity arrangements, and other anti-competitive practices 经营者集中审查暂行规定
Draft - Personal Information (PII) Protection Law of China
A draft of the new law proposed for handling and protecting PII (Personally Identifiable Information) in China. Released 10-21-2020. 个人信息保护法（草案）征求意见
Oct 21, 2020
A draft of the new law proposed for handling and protecting PII (Personally Identifiable Information) in China. Released 10-21-2020. 个人信息保护法（草案）征求意见
Notice of Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on Carrying out Special Rectification Actions in Depth against the Infringement upon Users' Rights and Interests by Apps
Announcement of app inspection and rectification against improper use and collection of PII, user harassment, cheating, and other illegalities by China gov.
Jul 22, 2020
Announcement of app inspection and rectification against improper use and collection of PII, user harassment, cheating, and other illegalities by China gov.
Special Administrative Measures (Negative List) for Foreign Investment Access (Edition 2020)
The "Negative List" of what is not allowed for companies with certain levels of foreign investment.
Jun 23, 2020
The "Negative List" of what is not allowed for companies with certain levels of foreign investment.
China Game License Approvals
Link to a list of the game licenses issued each year by SAPPRFT for mobile iOS and Android, console and online games, by both foreign and domestic companies.
Mar 6, 2020
Link to a list of the game licenses issued each year by SAPPRFT for mobile iOS and Android, console and online games, by both foreign and domestic companies.
Foreign Investment Law of the People's Republic of China
Chinese law to protect the rights and interests of foreign investors, and regulate the administration of foreign investment in China.
Jan 1, 2020
Chinese law to protect the rights and interests of foreign investors, and regulate the administration of foreign investment in China.
Implementing Measures of the People's Bank of China for Protection of Financial Consumers' Rights and Interests
Jan 1, 2020
Cryptography Law of the People's Republic of China
Chinese law regulating cryptography and cybersecurity online in China.
Jan 1, 2020
Chinese law regulating cryptography and cybersecurity online in China.
APP notification on infringement of user rights - first batch
Chinese government notification of apps that have infringed on the eight recent government requirements for app data, including a list of the infringing apps.
Dec 19, 2019
Chinese government notification of apps that have infringed on the eight recent government requirements for app data, including a list of the infringing apps.
Notice on Promulgation of the Method for Identifying the Illegal Collection and Use of Personal Information by Apps
Regulations regarding the collection and use of personally identifiable information (PII) in apps and games in China.
Nov 28, 2019
Regulations regarding the collection and use of personally identifiable information (PII) in apps and games in China.
Administrative Measures for Mobile Education APPs
Details the procedures for registering and licensing mobile educational apps in China by the Chinese Ministry of Education.
Nov 13, 2019
Details the procedures for registering and licensing mobile educational apps in China by the Chinese Ministry of Education.
Notice on Preventing Minors from Addiction to Online Games
A chart outlining the Chinese government's eight restrictions on game developers to help curb gaming addiction in youth.
Nov 6, 2019
A chart outlining the Chinese government's eight restrictions on game developers to help curb gaming addiction in youth.
Notice on special rectification of APPs & user rights
Notice from the Chinese government regulators detailing how sensitive personal information collected from app users should be handled.
Nov 6, 2019
Notice from the Chinese government regulators detailing how sensitive personal information collected from app users should be handled.
Interpretation of rectification of APP infringement on user rights
Guide for app publishers and distributors on what the Chinese government considers excessive and improper handling of personal user info and permissions.
Nov 6, 2019
Guide for app publishers and distributors on what the Chinese government considers excessive and improper handling of personal user info and permissions.
Special actions against APPs infringement of user rights
Special rectification action against app developers and distributors infringement of user rights.
Nov 6, 2019
Special rectification action against app developers and distributors infringement of user rights.
Clarifications on "Notice on Preventing Minors from Addiction to Online Games"
A government official offers clarifying information on the recent notice of measures meant to prevent youth addiction to online and mobile games in China.
Nov 5, 2019
A government official offers clarifying information on the recent notice of measures meant to prevent youth addiction to online and mobile games in China.
Trademark Law of the People's Republic of China (2019)
Laws regarding the registration and regulation of trademarks in China, revised in 2019.
Nov 1, 2019
Laws regarding the registration and regulation of trademarks in China, revised in 2019.
Notice On Preventing Minors From Addiction to Online Games
SAPPRFT government notice to game companies to help curb gaming addiction in minors by implementing a real-name verification system and restricting access.
Oct 25, 2019
SAPPRFT government notice to game companies to help curb gaming addiction in minors by implementing a real-name verification system and restricting access.
Notice of the Cyberspace Administration of China on Soliciting Public Comments on the Administrative Measures on Data Security
Draft measures for the collection, storage, transmission, processing and use of personal user data in the PRC.
May 28, 2019
Draft measures for the collection, storage, transmission, processing and use of personal user data in the PRC.
Electronic Signature Law of the People’s Republic of China
Law standardizing electronic signatures in China, establishing legal validity, and safeguarding the rights and interests of the relevant parties: Revised 2019
Apr 23, 2019
Law standardizing electronic signatures in China, establishing legal validity, and safeguarding the rights and interests of the relevant parties: Revised 2019
China Approval Process of Games Originating Overseas
A detailed description of the official process for approving and licensing a mobile, PC, or console game in China.
Apr 12, 2019
A detailed description of the official process for approving and licensing a mobile, PC, or console game in China.
Guide to the Self-Assessment of Illegal Collection and Use of Personal Information by Apps
Guide for app developers to carry out self-check and self-correction concerning their collection and use of personal information.
Mar 3, 2019
Guide for app developers to carry out self-check and self-correction concerning their collection and use of personal information.
E-commerce Law of the People's Republic of China
Chinese laws regulating e-commerce in China.
Jan 1, 2019
Chinese laws regulating e-commerce in China.
Online Game Ethics Committee Established
An online games ethics committee is established in Beijing to regulate the moral and ethical content of online and mobile games in China.
Dec 7, 2018
An online games ethics committee is established in Beijing to regulate the moral and ethical content of online and mobile games in China.
Security of Internet services with social capabilities
Chinese government guidelines for mobile apps with social media components and regulation of content.
Nov 15, 2018
Chinese government guidelines for mobile apps with social media components and regulation of content.
Advertising Law of the People's Republic of China
Laws governing rules and restrictions on advertising in China, amended in 2018
Oct 26, 2018
Laws governing rules and restrictions on advertising in China, amended in 2018
Notice on the Promulgation of the Administrative Measures on Standards, Security and Services of National Healthcare Big Data (for Trial Implementation)
Chinese government Notice on standards, security and services of National Healthcare Big Data in China
Jul 12, 2018
Chinese government Notice on standards, security and services of National Healthcare Big Data in China
Anti-Terrorism Law of the People's Republic of China
Anti-terrorism law outlawing money laundering and other practices, with applications to online transactions and online financial institutions.
Apr 27, 2018
Anti-terrorism law outlawing money laundering and other practices, with applications to online transactions and online financial institutions.
Standardization Law of the People's Republic of China (2017 Revision)
Law is formulated for the purposes of strengthening standardization work in the People's Republic of China.
Jan 1, 2018
Law is formulated for the purposes of strengthening standardization work in the People's Republic of China.
Notice on Regulating the Use of Domain Names in Providing Internet-based Information Services
Nov 27, 2017
Administrative Measures on Internet-based Drug Information Services
Chinese government regulations regarding drug information and drug information services posted online in China (revised in 2017).
Nov 17, 2017
Chinese government regulations regarding drug information and drug information services posted online in China (revised in 2017).
Personal Information Security Specification of China
This standard specifies the collection, storage, use, share, transfer, and other principles of public disclosure of personal information security requirements and processing activities to be followed for China.
Nov 1, 2017
This standard specifies the collection, storage, use, share, transfer, and other principles of public disclosure of personal information security requirements and processing activities to be followed for China.
Administrative Measures on Telecommunications Business Permits (2017)
China's rules and regulations on issuing telecommunications business permits, including process and penalties.
Sep 1, 2017
China's rules and regulations on issuing telecommunications business permits, including process and penalties.
Guidelines: Data Cross Border Transfer Security Assessment
This is helpful for app and game developers to make sure they are complying with the government guidelines regarding the transmission of data in and out of China.
May 28, 2017
This is helpful for app and game developers to make sure they are complying with the government guidelines regarding the transmission of data in and out of China.
Cybersecurity Law of the People’s Republic of China
China's cybersecurity law.
Nov 7, 2016
China's cybersecurity law.
Regulations for the Administration of Mobile Internet Application Information Services
General regulations for mobile app stores in China.
Aug 6, 2016
General regulations for mobile app stores in China.
Administrative Regulations on Internet Information Search Services
Regulations applying to search engine providers in China.
Aug 1, 2016
Regulations applying to search engine providers in China.
Administrative Regulations on Mobile Internet APPS
Chinese government guidelines and Q&A regarding regulations app developers must follow, including content auditing, real name verification, etc.
Jun 28, 2016
Chinese government guidelines and Q&A regarding regulations app developers must follow, including content auditing, real name verification, etc.
Notice on Mobile Game Publishing Service Management
2016 notice detailing how the relevant agencies will handle the approval process for mobile games in Mainland China.
Jun 2, 2016
2016 notice detailing how the relevant agencies will handle the approval process for mobile games in Mainland China.
Mobile Game Content Standard (2016 Edition)
Official SAPPRFT rules and restrictions for mobile game content.
May 24, 2016
Official SAPPRFT rules and restrictions for mobile game content.
Administrative Provisions on Foreign-funded Telecommunications Enterprises
Chinese law dictating the rules and requirements for foreign investment in telecommunication enterprises in China, including amounts/percentages allowed.
Feb 6, 2016
Chinese law dictating the rules and requirements for foreign investment in telecommunication enterprises in China, including amounts/percentages allowed.
Telecommunications Regulations of the People's Republic of China
Laws regulating telecom operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in China.
Feb 6, 2016
Laws regulating telecom operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in China.
Announcement of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on Promulgating the Classification Catalogue of Telecommunications Services (Version 2015)
A list of the telecommunication service classifications/categories in China, 2015 revision.
Dec 28, 2015
A list of the telecommunication service classifications/categories in China, 2015 revision.
Implementation Regulations for the Trademark Law of the People's Republic of China
Detailed implementation instructions, amended in 2014, for the implementation of trademarks in the People's Republic of China.
Apr 29, 2014
Detailed implementation instructions, amended in 2014, for the implementation of trademarks in the People's Republic of China.
Further Notice: Application Materials By Overseas Publishers
2014 announcement of new requirements for overseas copyright holders to submit their game for licensing and approval by SAPPRFT.
Apr 18, 2014
2014 announcement of new requirements for overseas copyright holders to submit their game for licensing and approval by SAPPRFT.
Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Rights and Interests of Consumers
Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Rights and Interests of Consumers
Mar 15, 2014
Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Rights and Interests of Consumers
Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Rights and Interests of Consumers
This Law is formulated for the purposes of protecting the legitimate rights and interests of consumers, safeguarding social and economic order, promoting healthy development of socialist market economy.
Mar 15, 2014
This Law is formulated for the purposes of protecting the legitimate rights and interests of consumers, safeguarding social and economic order, promoting healthy development of socialist market economy.
Provisions on Protecting the Personal Information of Telecommunications and Internet Users
Standards for collection, storage, and liability of personally identifiable information (PII) in China, adopted by the Chinese government.
Jul 16, 2013
Standards for collection, storage, and liability of personally identifiable information (PII) in China, adopted by the Chinese government.
Regulations on the Protection of Computer Software (2013 Revision)
Software copyright law of China, revised in 2013.
Jan 3, 2013
Software copyright law of China, revised in 2013.
Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Minors (Revised in 2012)
Chinese Law to protect the physical and mental health of minors, and safeguard their legitimate rights and interests.
Jan 1, 2013
Chinese Law to protect the physical and mental health of minors, and safeguard their legitimate rights and interests.
Notice on starting online game real name verification system
National Citizen Identification Number Inquiry Service Center will take charge of the implementing a real-name account verification system for online games.
Jul 1, 2011
National Citizen Identification Number Inquiry Service Center will take charge of the implementing a real-name account verification system for online games.
Administrative Measures on Security Protection for International Connections to Computer Information Networks (2011 Revision)
Laws, regulations and restrictions regarding international internet data transfer and security in China, outlining liabilities of network providers and supervision.
Jan 8, 2011
Laws, regulations and restrictions regarding international internet data transfer and security in China, outlining liabilities of network providers and supervision.
Administrative Measures on Internet-based Information Services
Basic measures for the regulation of the internet in China
Jan 8, 2011
Basic measures for the regulation of the internet in China
Further Regulating the Use of Language In Publication Text
Additional regulations regarding the use of Mandarin and Simplified Chinese in publications, including games.
Nov 23, 2010
Additional regulations regarding the use of Mandarin and Simplified Chinese in publications, including games.
Copyright Law of the People's Republic of China
Chinese copyright law, revised in 2010, detailing rights, legal liability, and enforcement of copyright in China, revised in 2010.
Feb 26, 2010
Chinese copyright law, revised in 2010, detailing rights, legal liability, and enforcement of copyright in China, revised in 2010.
Examination and approval of a Foreign-related Investigation Permit
Law outlining license required for collecting market survey data within China and then transferring that data out of China, to an international company.
May 15, 2008
Law outlining license required for collecting market survey data within China and then transferring that data out of China, to an international company.
Administrative Measures for the Hierarchical Protection of Information Security
Measures for protection of information security, state secrets, cryptography, etc.
Jun 22, 2007
Measures for protection of information security, state secrets, cryptography, etc.
Notice on implementing online gaming anti-addiction system
Notice announcing the implementation of a real-name authentication program as part of a comprehensive online gaming anti-addiction system aimed at minors.
Apr 15, 2007
Notice announcing the implementation of a real-name authentication program as part of a comprehensive online gaming anti-addiction system aimed at minors.
Anti-Money Laundering Law of the People's Republic of China
This Law is formulated for the purposes of preventing money laundering activities, preserving financial order and containing money laundering crimes and other related crimes.
Jan 1, 2007
This Law is formulated for the purposes of preventing money laundering activities, preserving financial order and containing money laundering crimes and other related crimes.
Administrative Measures for the Filing of Not-for-Profit Internet Information Services
China's filing procedures for registering not-for-profit (non-commercial) websites with the Chinese government.
Feb 8, 2005
China's filing procedures for registering not-for-profit (non-commercial) websites with the Chinese government.
Notice on Prohibition of Using Online Games for Gambling
Notice that online gambling games are illegal.
Jan 12, 2005
Notice that online gambling games are illegal.
Notice on Healthy Gaming Advice in Games
Notice requiring game publishers to add a "Healthy Gaming Advice" startup screen to their games.
Sep 1, 2003
Notice requiring game publishers to add a "Healthy Gaming Advice" startup screen to their games.
Law of the People's Republic of China on the Common Language
The PRC law establishing Mandarin Chinese as the official language of China, and Simplified Chinese as the preferred characters for written Chinese.
Jan 1, 2001
The PRC law establishing Mandarin Chinese as the official language of China, and Simplified Chinese as the preferred characters for written Chinese.
Contract Law of the People's Republic of China
Law outlining the personal rights of people and entities involved in writing and signing contracts in China. Chinese contract law.
Oct 1, 1999
Law outlining the personal rights of people and entities involved in writing and signing contracts in China. Chinese contract law.
Regulations On The Use Of Chinese Characters In Publications
Detailing how Simplified Chinese characters must be used in publications approved by SAPPRFT, which includes games.
Jul 7, 1992
Detailing how Simplified Chinese characters must be used in publications approved by SAPPRFT, which includes games.