(Adopted at the thirty first regular meeting of the State Council held on September 20, 2000 and promulgated by Premier Zhu Rongji on September 25, 2000)

Article 1. These Measures are formulated in order to regulate Internet information services activity and to promote the healthy and orderly development of Internet information services.

Article 2. Internet information services activity in the People's Republic of China shall comply with these Measures.

"Internet information services" as referred to herein means the service activity of providing information to Internet users through the Internet.

Article 3. Internet information services are divided into two categories: operational services and non-operational services.

"Operational Internet information services" means the provision of information, web page production or other services to Internet users through the Internet for compensation.

"Non-operational Internet information services" means the provision of public and shared information services to Internet users through the Internet without compensation.

Article 4. The State will implement a permit system in respect of operational Internet information services and a filing system in respect of non-operational Internet information services.

Engaging in Internet information services without having obtained a permit or having carried out the filing procedures is prohibited.

Article 5. Internet information services activities relating to news, publishing, education, health care, pharmaceuticals, medical apparatus and instruments, etc., which are required to be examined and approved by relevant supervisory departments in accordance with the laws, administrative regulations and relevant provisions of the State, shall be examined and approved by the relevant supervisory departments in accordance with law before a permit is applied for or filing procedures are carried out.