On 18 September 2026, the Cyberspace Administration of China (国家网信办) issued 《国家互联网信息办公室关于《国务院关于保障未成年人健康安全使用网络的规定（征求意见稿）》公开征求意见的通知》, launching a public consultation on draft rules intended to strengthen online protections for minors. source
The accompanying draft regulation, 《国务院关于保障未成年人健康安全使用网络的规定（征求意见稿）》, would require network service providers, smart terminal product manufacturers and application distribution platforms to furnish a dedicated “minor mode” and would prohibit or restrict specified services—such as stranger social networking and live-streaming broadcasting—for users under the age of 16. source
Stakeholders may submit written feedback by email or by post, with comments due by 17 October 2026. source
Who is affected
Network service providers, smart terminal product manufacturers and application distribution platforms operating in China that provide services to minors are directly subject to the proposed requirements. source
The public-comment process is open to all interested parties, with feedback due to 国家网信办 by 17 October 2026. source
What to do
Submit written comments by email to weibao@cac.gov.cn or by post to the address specified in the notice before the 17 October 2026 deadline. source
Assess whether your organisation falls within the draft rule’s scope as a network service provider, smart terminal manufacturer or application distribution platform required to offer a “minor mode.” source
Review current service offerings—particularly social networking, live-streaming and gaming functions targeting users under 16—to identify features that the draft prohibits or restricts. source
Key dates
18 September 2026: 国家网信办 publishes the consultation notice and the draft rule. source
17 October 2026: Deadline for public comments on the draft provisions. source