The Cyberspace Administration of China ('CAC') published, on 1 November 2021, a notice stating that the CAC of Guizhou had investigated and took enforcement actions against websites for violation of users' rights in accordance with the Cybersecurity Law of the People's Republic of China ('CSL'), Administrative Measures on Internet Information Services ('Administrative Measures'), and Provisions on the Governance of Network Information Content Ecology ('the Provisions'), among others.

Background to the case

In particular, the CAC noted that in the third quarter of 2021, the CAC of Guizhou carried out a series of actions, including more than 7,000 reports of illegal and false information on website platforms with 94 being interviewed. To this end, the CAC noted that in conjunction with the public security, communication management, and other departments, the CAC of Guizhou took enforcement actions against 174 apps and removed 26.

Findings of the CAC

Following its current investigation, the CAC noted that the CAC of Guizhou found that websites had published news information without obtaining permission, and leaked citizens' personal information violating the CSL, Administrative Measures, and the Provisions.

Outcomes

Consequently, the CAC noted that the CAC of Guizhou stated that it will address the violations through enforcement actions, including cancellations, suspension of domain name, and closure of the websites, as well as accounts, noting that in the case of suspected crimes, the information will be transferred to the public security department for processing.

You can read the press release, only available in Chinese, here.