Administrative Provisions on the Information Services Provided through Official Accounts of Internet Users was promulgated in 2017, and amended in 2017 and 2019 respectively. The latest revision entered into force on 22 Feb. 2021. For the purpose of the Provisions, “official accounts of Internet users” refers to the network accounts registered and operated by Internet users on network platforms such as Internet websites and applications to produce and disseminate among the public texts, pictures, audio and video, and other information content.
There are 23 articles in total. The Provisions aim to regulate the information services provided through official accounts of Internet users.
1.“Official account information service platforms” refers to the online information service providers that provide Internet users with official account registration and operation, dissemination of information content, and technical support services. “Official account producers and operators” refers to the natural persons, legal persons or unincorporated organizations that register and operate official accounts to engage in content production and dissemination.
2.To provide official account information services for Internet users, official account information service platforms shall obtain relevant qualifications as prescribed by laws and administrative regulations of the State. To provide Internet news information services to the public, official account information service platforms and official account producers and operators shall obtain Internet news information services licenses.
3.Official account information service platforms shall strengthen the protection of copyrights in original information content to prevent piracy and infringement. When reproducing information content, official account producers and operators shall abide by the relevant laws and regulations on copyright protection and legally mark copyright owners and sources of traceable information.
4.Official account information service platforms shall provide easy access to portals for reporting and complaints and channels for filing petitions to accept social supervision.