China issues technical guideline to strengthen mobile internet protection for minors

On 2 April 2025, China’s National Cybersecurity Standardisation Technical Committee officially adopted a national guideline on technical requirements for minor protection mode in mobile internet. The document establishes a standardised framework designed to strengthen the safety and well-being of minors in the digital environment.

The guideline applies broadly to mobile internet application providers, mobile smart device manufacturers, and application distribution platforms. It provides both a regulatory reference and an operational checklist for third-party assessments and supervisory authorities.

At its core, the guideline outlines a series of technical controls aimed at shaping a safer, age-appropriate digital space for younger users. These include one-click activation of protection mode on mobile devices, robust parental control settings, and systematic age-based filtering of applications. Mobile app stores are now required to categorise apps by age group and must integrate parental restriction functions during app discovery, download, and installation.

When it comes to content regulation, applications must ensure that the material offered to minors is appropriate to their age, with built-in restrictions on purchases and social interactions. Features such as real-name authentication, screen-time limits, and activity reminders are mandated, aligning with existing measures on youth protection in gaming and streaming platforms.

Crucially, the guideline introduces a requirement for cross-platform synchronisation, ensuring that once settings are applied on one device or application, they carry over to others within the same ecosystem. This provides a more seamless and consistent level of protection, regardless of which service or device the minor accesses.

By setting clear technical expectations, the guideline offers a structured basis for implementation by stakeholders across the digital services landscape. It underscores the broader trend in Chinese policy to embed youth protection directly into the technological infrastructure rather than relying solely on content moderation or legal enforcement.

The guideline is now in effect, with regulatory bodies expected to oversee compliance, supported by third-party evaluations and platform-level audits. For developers and platform operators, it marks a shift towards more formalised, technically embedded responsibility for safeguarding minors online.