Editing Internet censorship in China (section)

=== Interim Regulations of the PRC on the Management of International Networking of Computer Information ===
In 1996, the [[Ministry of Commerce (China)|Ministry of Commerce]] created a set of regulations which prohibit connection to "international networks" or use of channels outside of those provided by official government service providers without prior approval or license from authorities.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Interim Regulations on the Management of International Networking of Computer Information|url=http://www.asianlii.org/cn/legis/cen/laws/irotmoinoci880/|access-date=2021-08-01|website=www.asianlii.org|archive-date=30 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210530001104/http://asianlii.org/cn/legis/cen/laws/irotmoinoci880/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications has since been superseded by the [[Ministry of Industry and Information Technology]] or MIIT. To this date this regulation is still used to prosecute and fine users who connect to international networks or use VPNs.
{{Blockquote|text=Article 6: To carry out international networking of computer information, the output and input channels provided by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications in its public telecommunication network shall be used.

No units or individuals shall establish or use other channels for international networking on their own accord.

Article 14: Those that violate stipulations in articles 6, 8 and 10 shall be ordered by public security departments to stop networking, with a warning issued to them. They may also be imposed a fine below 15,000 yuan. If they have earned any illegal incomes, these incomes shall be confiscated.|title=Interim Regulations of the PRC on the Management of International Networking of Computer Information (1996)}}