Country profile

China age-verification & online ID laws

In effect Regulations on the Protection of Minors Online + Minor Mode effective Jan 1, 2024

China requires real-name (national-ID) verification to create accounts on platforms such as Douyin, Bilibili and Kuaishou.

Laws & bills on record

Social media

In effect
Bill / statute
Regulations on the Protection of Minors Online + Minor Mode
Status
Active law in effect
Effective
Jan 1, 2024
Intrusiveness
Severe -- Criminal penalties, VPN targeting, or repeated re-checks with long data retention.

China requires real-name (national-ID) verification to create accounts on platforms such as Douyin, Bilibili and Kuaishou. The Regulations on the Protection of Minors Online (effective Jan 1, 2024) and the national "Minor Mode" impose daily time limits, a 10pm-6am cut-off for under-18s, and content controls; online gaming for minors has been capped since 2021 (weekends/holidays, 8-9pm only).

Timeline
  • Jan 1, 2024In effect

Source: cac.gov.cn

VPN restrictions

Only government-approved providers are legal; the Great Firewall actively blocks unauthorized VPNs and circumvention can draw administrative penalties.

Source: freedomhouse.org

Frequently asked questions

Does China require age checks or ID to use social media?

Yes. Regulations on the Protection of Minors Online + Minor Mode is in effect, effective Jan 1, 2024. China requires real-name (national-ID) verification to create accounts on platforms such as Douyin, Bilibili and Kuaishou.

Are VPNs restricted in China?

Only government-approved providers are legal; the Great Firewall actively blocks unauthorized VPNs and circumvention can draw administrative penalties.

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