The World Internet Conference Organization held the fourth members' activity day and an exchange meeting on the rule of law on the internet in Beijing on Dec 6.

Wang Song, vice-minister of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), introduced the progress of China’s rule of law on the internet at the meeting.

It was noted during the meeting that the CAC has prioritized the rule of law on the internet and endeavored to enhance coordination to accelerate the progress of the rule of law in cyberspace with Chinese characteristics.

The administration puts people first, shows great concern for people’s interests and expectations, protects people’s rights and interests, and improves people’s well-being throughout the process of legislation, law enforcement, the administration of justice and the publicity of law.

The administration promotes internet development, and takes the rule of law on the internet as a fundamental method to guide, regulate and safeguard the high-quality building of a digital China.

The administration pays close attention to China’s national conditions. Regarding the fact that China has a huge number of internet users, enterprises and platforms, as well as diverse forms of products, it properly handles the relationship between development and security, freedom and order, opening up and autonomy, and management and service.

The administration upholds innovation-driven development, takes preemptive measures against risks and challenges that may be brought about by new technologies, applications, forms and modes of the internet, and promotes the comprehensive innovation of the rule of law on the internet.

The administration insists upon opening up and cooperation. It actively takes part in the formulation of international rules in cyberspace, and carries out international communication and cooperation to build a global internet governance system that is multilateral, democratic and transparent.

The above-mentioned statement represents the five principles of the CAC in promoting the rule of law on the internet, according to the meeting.

It was highlighted that the rule of law, as a fundamental way of internet governance, plays a key role in optimizing the internet environment for business, and promoting the development of internet enterprises.

China has striven to establish a complete set of laws and regulations concerning the internet and systems for the effective implementation, supervision and guarantee of the rule of law on the internet, and made significant achievements in legislation, law enforcement, the administration of justice, and the publicity of law through the internet, according to the meeting.

It was also mentioned that the CAC will provide a good legal environment to ensure the sound development of enterprises.

Heads of relevant divisions of the CAC held exchanges with members of the World Internet Conference (WIC) on cybersecurity, data and artificial intelligence during the event.

Representatives of WIC members agreed that the exchange meeting provided an important platform to inform them about the development of the rule of law in China and the effect of new policies.

Around 100 representatives from member enterprises of the WIC attended the meeting.