Public feedback sought on managing commercial messages, calls

A number of ministry-level departments, including those responsible for industry and information technology, commerce, human resources and social security, and financial markets, have responded recently to matters of public concern.

Draft regulations target unwanted communication

China is soliciting public opinion on draft regulations on the management of short message and voice call services, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said on Aug 31.

The draft regulations say organizations or individuals should not send any commercial short messages or make any commercial calls to users without their consent or request, or after they have been explicitly rejected.

Basic telecommunication business operators would not be allowed to provide any access services or communication resources for organizations and individuals that have not obtained business licenses for telecommunication services to engage in commercial short message and voice call services.

Suppliers of short message services should make sure users have agreed to or asked to receive commercial short messages before sending them out, with records of user consent to be kept for at least five months.

Members of the public will be able to give feedback on the draft regulations until Sept 30.