China proposes stricter cybercrime law including post-sentence exit bans
A draft bill would allow Chinese authorities to bar convicted cybercriminals from leaving the country for up to three years after serving their sentences, expanding enforcement powers and targeting cross-border online fraud networks.
China has unveiled a draft Cybercrime Prevention and Control Law that would significantly expand state powers to address online crime, including imposing travel restrictions on convicted offenders after they complete their prison terms.
Under the proposal, individuals convicted of cybercrime could be banned from leaving China for up to three years following the end of their sentence. The measure would not apply only to those directly responsible for cyberattacks or online fraud, but also to people considered to have assisted such activities. This includes providers of technical platforms, payment services, online accounts, or recruitment services that support cybercrime networks, even if they claim they were unaware of the illegal conduct.
The draft bill also contains provisions aimed at individuals accused of spreading fabricated information or content considered harmful to public order or social norms, particularly where such material is used to attract online traffic or advertising revenue.
In addition to exit bans, authorities would be empowered to deny entry to individuals convicted of cybercrime, regardless of where the offence was committed. The proposal further allows Chinese authorities to pursue legal action against Chinese nationals abroad and foreign entities for online activities deemed to harm China’s national interests.
The draft follows recent amendments to China’s Cybersecurity Law that expanded enforcement mechanisms, increased penalties, and broadened the law’s extraterritorial scope. The government has also intensified cooperation with Southeast Asian countries to tackle cross-border fraud networks, applying severe penalties against large-scale scam operations.
