Internet Filtering in China in 2004 2005
Bureau.
79
Cafes must obtain and record users' identities by asking for their identification cards, and must
keep these records for at least 60 days.
80
We translated a copy of China's Internet cafe regulations to analyze the state's control over this
form of access.
81
The goals of the regulations are to provide good service to users and to promote
socialism.
82
Cafes must follow all applicable laws and must self police.
83
Regulatory responsibility for
cafes is divided among several entities. The cultural departments at the county level and above must
examine and endorse new cafes, and must control existing ones.
84
The Public Security Bureau has
responsibility for the safety of information.
85
The Department of Commerce registers cafes, issues
permits, and inspects locations to ensure proper licensing.
86
The Department of Telecommunications also
has a role in cafe oversight.
87
Employees of these regulating agencies may not be involved in operating a
cafe.
88
Cafes must obtain permission before commencing service.
89
Companies that offer this type of
service must have adequate capital, fire prevention systems, methods for controlling access to
information, and appropriate technical and security personnel.
90
Cafes cannot be located within 200
meters of an elementary school, middle school, or residential building.
91
The process of obtaining
approval is complex: cafes must submit information to the Culture Department of the government at the
county level or above, followed by applying for an information safety permit and fire safety permit
from the Public Security Bureau, then application for an Internet culture business permit document is
made to the Culture Department, and finally the applicant applies to the Commerce Department for a
business registration.
92
Changing the cafe's location, size, interior, or number of computers requires
additional permissions.
93
Cafes can only operate during designated hours, and cannot admit minors.
94
Users must register
with their identification cards, and cafes must record this information, along with the computer used and
79
Human Rights Watch, Freedom of Expression and the Internet in China; Wangba Crusade, Red Herring.
80
Regulations on the Administration of Internet Access Service Business Establishments [Internet Cafes].
81
The regulations are available at http://www.zetronic.com.cn/news_details.asp?newsid=10015. We thank Stian
Haklev for translation assistance.
82
Chapter 1,
(Internet Service Providers [Internet cafes] Operating
Regulations).
83
Chapter 1, Internet Service Providers [Internet cafes] Operating Regulations.
84
Chapter 1, Internet Service Providers [Internet cafes] Operating Regulations.
85
Chapter 1, Internet Service Providers [Internet cafes] Operating Regulations.
86
Chapter 1, Internet Service Providers [Internet cafes] Operating Regulations.
87
Chapter 1, Internet Service Providers [Internet cafes] Operating Regulations.
88
Chapter 1, Internet Service Providers [Internet cafes] Operating Regulations.
89
Chapter 2, Internet Service Providers [Internet cafes] Operating Regulations.
90
Chapter 2, Internet Service Providers [Internet cafes] Operating Regulations.
91
Chapter 2, Internet Service Providers [Internet cafes] Operating Regulations.
92
Chapter 2, Internet Service Providers [Internet cafes] Operating Regulations.
93
Chapter 2, Internet Service Providers [Internet cafes] Operating Regulations.
94
Chapter 3, Internet Service Providers [Internet cafes] Operating Regulations.
12