New regulations aim to protect Internet users
Print Edition
A series of regulations governing cyberspace officially took effect yesterday, as China aims to better protect online users’ interests and better guide the development of the Internet industry.
According to a regulation on search engines, released by the Cyberspace Administration of China, search providers must ensure objective, fair and authoritative search results.
Search providers must improve censorship and remove any illegal content that could harm national interests and people’s lawful rights.
The regulation requires search engine providers to change the paid-for listings model and rank search results according to credibility rather than price-tag.
All paid-for listings should be labeled clearly, so that they are distinguishable from normal search results, and the returned content should not mislead users.
The regulation was adopted after an investigation into Baidu, which was criticized for influencing users’ choices by presenting misleading information.
Wei Zexi, a computer science major at Xidian University in northwest China who had cancer, fell victim to Baidu’s “pay to play” scheme.
Wei died in April after a controversial treatment he found via a Baidu search failed.
A probe revealed the search engine giant had sold highlighted advertising space to questionable medical institutions.
Another online regulation taking effect yesterday requires real-name registration for users of mobile phone apps, in an effort to hold users responsible for content they share.
On one hand, if users break the rules, they will be warned, their use of the service may be restricted and, as a last resort, accounts may be closed.
On the other hand, providers of app services must protect the privacy of its users.
They will be subject to public supervision and must deal with illegal content in a timely manner, according the regulation.
The fast-growing mobile app market has seen a boom in malicious cyber-attacks, online malware and security breaches. The regulation clearly defines the role of app developers and service providers, and ensures the protection of users’ rights.
The two regulations require all web directories to have a channel for receiving complaints and compensate users for any damage caused.
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