MIIT published a notice on 27 November 2017 to provide further requirements on the use of domain names by internet information services providers (“Notice”).
According to the Notice, if the provider is an individual, the domain name used for the provision of information services must be registered under his/her own name; if the provider is an entity, the domain name used must be registered under the entity’s name, a shareholder’s name or a senior executive’s name. Domain name administrative entities will share with MIIT its database, in order for MIIT to verify whether the requirements under the Notice have been satisfied when it reviews the applications for ICP licences or records.
The Notice does not differentiate between for-profit and non-for-profit operations of information services. As such, the operation of the websites and online platforms should be subject to the requirements of the Notice.
Please click here to read the full text (Chinese only) of the Notice.
