Clarified rules on handling online information crime to take effect

BEIJING - Top judicial authorities' latest guideline on handling online information crime of internet service providers (ISPs) will take effect on Nov 1.

ISPs refusing to fulfill their duty concerning information network security may face jail if they cause leaks of over 500 pieces of users' communication content, location, credit or property information in China, according to a judicial interpretation by the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate.

Suspects in such cases may face imprisonment of less than three years, criminal detention or public surveillance and face fines under the Criminal Law.

Such punishment may also be imposed upon ISPs if over 5,000 pieces of information about users' residence, communication records, health conditions or payment records are leaked due to ISPs' refusal to maintain information network security as required by law.

It also stipulated that criminals who refused to fulfill their duty of information network security, illegally used the information network or assisted in information network crimes can be banned from the industry.