China passes controversial cybersecurity law that restricts online anonymity

The Chinese government is set to adopt the Cybersecurity Law, a regressive measure that strengthens censorship, surveillance, and other controls over the Internet, Human Rights Watch said today. 

China’s top legislative body, the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, held a third and final reading on the law on October 31, 2016, and is expected to pass the law by the end of its October 31-November 7 session.

“Despite widespread international concern from corporations and rights advocates for more than a year, Chinese authorities pressed ahead with this restrictive law without making meaningful changes,” said Sophie Richardson, China Director. “The already heavily censored Internet in China needs more freedom, not less.”

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