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China age-verification & online ID laws

In effect Regulations on the Protection of Minors Online + Minor Mode effective Jan 1, 2024

China requires real-name (national-ID) verification to create accounts on platforms such as Douyin, Bilibili and Kuaishou.

Laws & bills on record

Social media

In effect

Bill / statute: Regulations on the Protection of Minors Online + Minor Mode
Status: Active law in effect
Effective: Jan 1, 2024
Intrusiveness: Severe -- Criminal penalties, VPN targeting, or repeated re-checks with long data retention.

China requires real-name (national-ID) verification to create accounts on platforms such as Douyin, Bilibili and Kuaishou. The Regulations on the Protection of Minors Online (effective Jan 1, 2024) and the national "Minor Mode" impose daily time limits, a 10pm-6am cut-off for under-18s, and content controls; online gaming for minors has been capped since 2021 (weekends/holidays, 8-9pm only).

Timeline

Aug 30, 2021Minors' online-gaming time limits imposed
Jan 1, 2024In effect
Jan 1, 2024Regulations on the Protection of Minors Online + Minor Mode in force

Source: cac.gov.cn

VPN restrictions

Only government-approved providers are legal; the Great Firewall actively blocks unauthorized VPNs and circumvention can draw administrative penalties.

Source: freedomhouse.org

Frequently asked questions

Does China require age checks or ID to use social media?

Yes. Regulations on the Protection of Minors Online + Minor Mode is in effect, effective Jan 1, 2024. China requires real-name (national-ID) verification to create accounts on platforms such as Douyin, Bilibili and Kuaishou.

Are VPNs restricted in China?

Only government-approved providers are legal; the Great Firewall actively blocks unauthorized VPNs and circumvention can draw administrative penalties.

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