What Changed
- The CAC issued practical guidance initiating mandatory self-assessments for platform service providers serving minors in mainland China.
- The guidance establishes specific criteria: dedicated or general platforms with over 10 million registered minor users or 1 million monthly active minor users, alongside multi-factor influence assessments.
- Qualifying platforms are required to submit hard copies and electronic filing documentation to provincial-level cyberspace authorities within 20 working days.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) announced the launch of the identification process for online platform service providers with a huge number of minor users or significant influence on minor groups in mainland China. Qualifying platforms must self-assess and submit filing materials to provincial cyberspace departments within 20 working days. Thresholds include services dedicated to minors with over 10 million registered users or 1 million monthly active users, or general platforms with equivalent minor user metrics. Other evaluation factors include user engagement, minor-related content, and past regulatory compliance records. The process implements measures that entered into force on April 1, 2026.
Who May Be Affected
Online platform service providers operating in mainland China whose services cater to or significantly impact minor users.
Cross-Border Context
Domestic and international businesses offering online platforms, gaming, or digital services accessible to users in mainland China must evaluate whether their user base meets China's regulatory thresholds for minor protection compliance.
What to check next
- Review provincial cyberspace administration contact details and submission templates attached to the official CAC announcement.
- Verify internal user data regarding minor registrations, monthly active minor users (MAU), and platform engagement metrics against CAC thresholds.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.