
BEIJING, May 31 (Xinhua) -- China's new cyber security law, which will go into effect Thursday, is not intended to manage foreign websites nor restrict the free flow of information, the country's internet regulator said Wednesday.
China warned against infringement of its cyber sovereignty under the pretext of providing free flow of information. Preventing illegal information from entering China does not contradict supporting the free flow of information, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said in a statement.
"In the real world, all enterprises or individuals are required to observe laws of the countries they enter, and there should be no exception made in cyberspace," according to the statement.
China strictly manages the Internet within its borders and has banned the spread of illegal information via technical or other means. This embodies the country's cyber sovereignty and is a requirement for safeguarding national security and protecting the interests of its citizens, it said.
In addition, the law stipulates that Internet service providers should increase control on information released by their users and immediately stop the spread of information deemed illegal.
The regulation will not infringe privacy nor restrict free speech online, the CAC said adding that the regulation targets information already made public by Internet users not their personal communications.
The CAC reiterated that authorities aim to prohibit the spread of illegal information rather than impeding free speech.
The law was passed in November 2016 at a bimonthly session of the National People's Congress Standing Committee after a third reading.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses