Promulgated by the Information Office of the State Council and the Ministry of Information Industry and effective as of September 25, 2005

Chapter I General Provisions

Article 1 The present Rules are formulated in order to regulate Internet news information services, satisfy the demands of the general public for Internet news information, safeguard the national security and public interest, protect the legitimate rights and interests of Internet news information service providers, and promote the healthy and orderly development of Internet news information services.

Article 2 Those who provide Internet news information services within the territory of the People's Republic of China shall abide by the present Rules.

News information as mentioned in the present Rules refers to the news information on current affairs and politics, including the relevant reports and commentaries on politics, economy, military affairs, foreign affairs and other public affairs, as well as the relevant reports and commentaries on social emergencies.

Internet news information services as mentioned in the present Rules include the services of publishing news information via Internet, providing electronic bulletin services on current affairs and politics, and transmitting communication information on current affairs and politics to the public.

Article 3 Internet news information service providers shall, when undertaking Internet news information services, abide by the Constitution, laws and regulations, stick to the direction of serving the people and socialism, uphold the correct media guidance, and maintain the national interest and public interest.

The state encourages Internet news information service providers to disseminate healthy and civilized news information which is beneficial to the improvement of the qualities of the nation, beneficial to economic development and conducive to social progress.

Article 4 The Information Office of the State Council is responsible for supervising and administering the Internet news information services throughout China. The information offices of the people's government of the provinces, autonomous regions or municipalities directly under the Central Government are responsible for supervising and administering the Internet news information services within their own jurisdiction.

Chapter II Establishment of Internet News Information Service Providers

Article 5 Internet news information service providers are classified into the following three categories:

(1) Internet news information service providers established by news entities to publish the news other than those that have been published and broadcasted by the said entities, to provide electronic bulletin services relating to current affairs and politics, and to transmit communication information of current affairs and politics to the public;