The Cyberspace Administration (CAS) of China has proposed new regulations for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi internet operators, which are necessary to meet “correct” political standards. The leading principles of the regulations apply to operators of “Special Networks over short distances” – technology suppliers who may allow local networks to promote non-socialist values or disobey existing laws.
The new regulations require operators to prevent the spread of “undesirable content” and report such activities to the authorities. Operators will also have to verify the identities of their users, and obtaining consent from both senders and data recipients is mandatory for sending any information on networks.
The CAS wants wireless networks to remind users about how to use their connections correctly and provide them with services for reporting incidents and filing complaints. Operators will also need to develop emergency action plans.
It is unclear whether the new regulations apply only to commercial operators or include home points of Wi-Fi access, and why the Bluetooth network has been included in the management.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi networks are sometimes used as lures to conduct cyber attacks. Additionally, dissidents can use any wireless technology to disseminate information that Beijing prohibits. Regardless of the goals of the proposed rules, they show that Beijing wants to regulate every network package as part of the desire to promote only the values of the Chinese Communist Party. The regulations complicate the activities of anyone committing crimes or spreading misinformation through networks.