Article 1.   In order to strengthen the security and the protection of computer information networks and of the Internet, and to preserve the social order and social stability, these regulations have been established on the basis of the "PRC Computer Information Network Protection Regulations", the "PRC Temporary Regulations on Computer Information Networks and the Internet" and other laws and administrative regulations.

Article 2.   The security, protection and management of all computer information networks within the borders of the PRC fall under these regulations.

Article 3.   The computer management and supervision organization of the Ministry of Public Security is responsible for the security, protection and management of computer information networks and the Internet. The Computer Management and Supervision organization of the Ministry of Public Security should protect the public security of computer information networks and the Internet as well as protect the legal rights of Internet service providing units and individuals as well as the public interest.

Article 4.   No unit or individual may use the Internet to harm national security, disclose state secrets, harm the interests of the State, of society or of a group, the legal rights of citizens, or to take part in criminal activities.

Article 5.   No unit or individual may use the Internet to create, replicate, retrieve, or transmit the following kinds of information:

Article 8.   Units and individuals engaged in Internet business must accept the security supervision, inspection, and guidance of the Public Security organization. This includes providing to the Public Security organization information, materials and digital document, and assisting the Public Security organization to discover and properly handle incidents involving law violations and criminal activities involving computer information networks.

Article 9.   The supervisory section or supervisory units of units which provide service through information network gateways through which information is imported and exported and connecting network units should, according to the law and relevant state regulations assume responsibility for the Internet network gateways as well as the security, protection, and management of the subordinate networks.

Article 10.   Connecting network units, entry point units and corporations that use computer information networks and the Internet and other organizations must assume the following responsibilities for network security and protection:

Article 15.   The provincial, autonomous region or municipal Public Security agency or bureau, as well as city and county Public Security organizations should have appropriate organizations to ensure the security, protection and management of the Internet.

Article 16.   The Public Security organization computer management and supervision organization should have information on the connecting network units, entry point unit, and users, establish a filing system for this information, maintain statistical information on these files and report to higher level units as appropriate.

Article 17.   The Public Security computer management and supervision organization should have establish a system for ensuring the security, protection and good management of the connecting network units, entry point unit, and users. The Public Security organization should supervise and inspect network security, protection and management and the implementation of security measures.

Article 18.   If the Public Security computer management and supervision organization discovers an address, directory or server with content in violation of Article 5, then the appropriate units should be notified to close or delete it.

Article 19.   The Public Security computer management and supervision organization is responsible for pursuing and dealing with illegal computer information network activities and criminal cases involving computer information networks. Criminal activities in violation of Article 4 or Article 7 should according to the relevant State regulations, be handed over to the relevant department or to the legal system for appropriate disposition.

Article 20.   For violations of law, administrative regulations or of Article 5 or Article 6 of these regulations, the Public Security organization gives a warning and if there income from illegal activities, confiscates the illegal earnings.

A fine not to exceed 5000 RMB to individuals and 15,000 RMB to work units may be assessed.

For serious offenses computer and network access can be closed down for up to six months, and if necessary Public Security can suggest that the business operating license of the concerned unit or the cancellation of its network registration. Activities contravening public security management regulations are punishable in accordance with provisions of the public security management penalties articles. Where crimes have occurred, prosecutions for criminal responsibility should be made.

Article 21.   Where one of the activities listed below has occurred, the Public Security organization should order that remedial action should be taken with a specific period and give a warning; if there has been illegal income, the income should be confiscated; if remedial action is not taken within the specified period, then a fine of not more than 5000 RMB may be assessed against the top management personnel in charge of the area and other persons directly responsible [for the violation] and a fine of not more than 15,000 RMB against the unit; in the case of serious offenses, the network and equipment can be closed for up to six months. If necessary Public Security may suggest that the business license of the organization be canceled and its network registration canceled.

Article 24.   These regulations should be consulted with regards to the implementation of the security, protection and management of computer information networks connecting to networks in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as well as with networks in the Taiwan and Macao districts.