Recently, three authorities including the Cyberspace Administration of China ("CAC") jointly issued the Administrative Provisions on Online Audio-visual Information Services (the "Provisions"), with effect from January 1, 2020.

The Provisions clearly state that online audio-visual information service providers shall legally obtain the relevant qualifications required under the laws and administrative regulations; and shall establish and improve their bylaws regarding user registration, review of information releases, information safety management, etc. Any organization and individual shall not take advantage of online audio-visual information services and the related information technology to carry out any activities prohibited by laws and regulations that infringe upon the legitimate rights and interests of others. Further, the Provisions set out requirements for utilization of new applications underpinned by such emerging technology as deep learning and virtual reality to produce, publish and disseminate audio-visual information, including requirements for safety evaluation, label requirements, requirements for management of news information, requirements for management of information on violations, and requirements for refuting rumors. The Provisions also emphasize that online audio-visual information service providers and online audio-visual information service users will be dealt with by three authorities including the cyberspace regulator in accordance with the Cybersecurity Law and other applicable laws and regulations, if they breach these Provisions.

(Source: Cyberspace Administration of China)