CAC Issues Notice on Providing Online Map Services

On September 1, the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping and the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) jointly issued a notice to regulate online mapping services.

The notice requests local administrative departments to oversee implementation and ensure national sovereignty and security. Local departments must also place an importance on accurate mapping and protecting classified geological information.  

The notice also calls for voluntary self-regulation among Internet service providers and requires ISPs to adhere to the Mapping Law, Map Management Rules, and other policies that regulate map publishing.  Prior to publication, the map should be submitted for approval, and ISPs are prohibited from marking classified information or supplying content that goes against national ethnic policy or political stances. When citing maps, the provider should legally acquire accurate maps and identify the source and map audit numbers. Websites should exercise judgement over problematic maps and classified geological information, and delete such maps if they are discovered.