CAC Releases Online Broadcasting Guidelines

On November 4, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) published the Online Live Broadcasting Service Management Guidelines as a way to manage the rapid development of the online broadcasting industry and to protect netizens, especially minors. One major motive for establishing these guidelines is that these platforms and service providers allow for the rapid dissemination of non-kosher, pornographic, and violent information. The CAC is trying to crack down and control content to ensure the healthy development of the industry.

According to the guidelines, Internet live broadcasting service provider and Internet live broadcasting publisher should acquire Internet news information service licenses, and conduct business within the business scope that's specified in the licences.

Furthermore, these guidelines require service providers and developers to establish a management system to oversee all parts of their business. Service providers should also establish someone as an editor in chief to manage all broadcasted content in a “first review, then send” method. Companies are also responsible for blacklisting those who violate content laws. All service providers should be equipped with the appropriate number of staff and possess the technical ability to meet service requirements, immediately block broadcasting if necessary, and comply with national technical standards. Companies should also improve the information auditing method, information security management, inspections and emergency response mechanisms. CAC recommends breaking down broadcasting content into categories and user type so that companies can better manage all related information.

Additionally, the guidelines call for the establishment of a credit rating management system. The regulation also calls for providers to strengthen the ability to monitor comments and other interactive aspects of their services in real time. This was also a requirement in SAPPRFT’s Notice on Strengthening Internet Audiovisual Programming and Live Streaming Service Management and Related Issues,” published back in September. Companies are also required to record and save all users published content and information for 60 days, something that could be very burdensome given a growing user base and large files created by video streaming.
 
Another item worth noting is the stringent requirements to ensure that companies meet the real ID registration requirements and uphold the principle of “real name on the back end, screen name on the front end”. This is a consistent requirement in CAC's regulations on management of mobile apps and another one on Internet Information Search Services released in late June.
 
The full document and guidelines can be found on the CAC website.