Citation of Key Provisions from the Cybersecurity Law of the People's Republic of China (2016–2025 Annotation Version)

Below is a citation of key provisions from the Cybersecurity Law of the People's Republic of China (2016–2025 Annotation Version) that are most relevant to international students in China, along with practical explanations to help you stay compliant and protect your rights.

1. True Identity Registration for Online Services

Cited Article: Article 24, Paragraph 1

"Where network operators provide network access, domain registration, fixed-line or mobile phone services, information release services, or instant messaging services, they shall require users to provide true identity information... If any user fails to provide true identity information, the network operator shall not provide relevant services."

✅ What this means for you:

When registering for WeChat, Alipay, Taobao, campus Wi-Fi, or a local SIM card, you must use your real name and passport number.

Using a fake name or anonymous account may result in service denial or account closure.

2. Protection of Personal Information

Cited Articles: Articles 40, 41, 42, 43, 44

Article 41: Network operators must collect personal information legally, legitimately, and necessarily, with your consent and clear notice of purpose/scope.

Article 42: Operators cannot disclose, tamper with, or sell your personal information without consent (except anonymized data).

Article 43: You have the right to request deletion or correction of your personal information if it is wrong or collected illegally.

✅ Practical tips:

Never share your passport number, bank details, or biometric data (e.g., facial scan) unnecessarily.

If an app asks for excessive permissions (e.g., contacts, location for a flashlight app), refuse and report it.

You can demand apps delete your data when you stop using them.

3. Prohibited Online Activities

Cited Article: Article 12, Paragraph 2

No individual or organization shall use the network to:

endanger national security, honor, or interests

incite subversion of state power or split the country

spread terrorism, extremism, ethnic hatred, or violence

distribute pornographic or false information

infringe upon others' reputation, privacy, or intellectual property.

✅ Key reminders:

Do not post or share politically sensitive content, even in private groups (e.g., WeChat groups).

Do not download or share pirated movies, software, or academic papers—this violates IP rights.

Avoid Virtual Private Network not approved by Chinese authorities; using illegal ones can lead to fines or account suspension.

4. Consequences of Violations

Cited Article: Article 74

Violations causing damage to others shall bear civil liability. If the act violates public security administration, administrative punishment applies; if it constitutes a crime, criminal liability follows.

Cited Article: Article 63

Anyone conducting activities endangering cybersecurity (e.g., hacking, providing attack tools) may face detention (5–15 days) and fines (up to RMB 1 million). Those criminally convicted are banned for life from key cybersecurity positions.

✅ Takeaway:

Minor infractions (e.g., posting banned content) can lead to account bans, fines, or detention.

Serious offenses (e.g., hacking university systems, spreading malware) can result in criminal charges and deportation.

5. Data Storage and Cross-Border Transfer

Cited Article: Article 37

Personal information and important data collected by critical information infrastructure operators within China shall be stored in China. If an overseas transfer is necessary, a security assessment must be conducted.

⚠️ Note for students:

While this primarily applies to companies (e.g., banks, telecoms), it affects you when using international cloud services (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) – some may be blocked or restricted.

Use local alternatives (e.g., Baidu Cloud) for storing course materials.

6. Your Right to Report Violations

Cited Article: Article 14

Any individual has the right to report conduct endangering cybersecurity to the cyberspace administration, telecom department, or public security authority. The receiving department must handle it promptly and keep the informant's information confidential.

✅ Useful contact:

Report online scams, data leaks, or illegal content to:

Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) hotline: 12377

Police: 110

7. Emergency Measures During Major Incidents

Cited Article: Article 58

To maintain national security or social public order, with State Council approval, authorities may take temporary restrictions on network communications in specific regions.

�� Implication:

During emergencies (e.g., public health crises, riots), certain apps or websites may be temporarily restricted. Follow university and local authority guidance.

�� Summary Checklist for International Students

Legal Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Reference: Cybersecurity Law of the People's Republic of China (2016–2025 Annotation Version)