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26 March 2018

Unlawful or Misleading Online Advertising Content Targetted in New Crackdown

Online advertising deemed to be unlawful or misleading is the focus of a new government crackdown, with the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC) pledging enhanced consumer protection across several digital fronts. The wide-ranging programme will extend across all digital media, including websites, search engines, e-commerce platforms, smartphone apps and social media networks.

Among the primary targets of the crackdown are the following:

Unlawful or misleading digital promotional content relating to beliefs or sensitive political issues deemed to be contrary to the national interest
Unlawful or misleading digital promotional content relating to food, health supplements, medical care, drugs or medical devices that represents a risk to individual safety or wellbeing
Unlawful or misleading digital promotional content relating to financial investments, investment promotions or collectible items that potentially compromises an individual’s property or other financial concerns
Unlawful or misleading digital promotional content likely to disrupt public order, violate acceptable social practices, have an adverse social impact or otherwise impair the mental and physical wellbeing of minors
Any other unlawful or misleading digital promotional content deemed to be of general concern

For further details (in Chinese), please visit the following link:

Circular of SAIC on the Initiation of a Special Programme to Rectify Internet Advertisements

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