China's top legislature passes law on telecom and online fraud

China's top legislature adopted a law on Friday against telecom and online fraud, a widely anticipated item of legislation as the public has long been troubled by financial losses after receiving spam messages and crank calls.

The Anti-Telecom and Online Fraud Law was passed after being reviewed three times by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislative body, in a bid to strengthen the fight against scammers and those aiding them through harsher punishment.

The law, with 50 articles, clarifies responsibilities of government agencies and enterprises in the combat, requiring them to share more knowledge and tips on how to avoid such fraud in communities, schools and villages to help enhance awareness among the elderly and the youth.

It will come into effect on Dec 1.