China's New Email Service Measures: Trying to Get Rid of the Junk

The Measures for the Administration of Internet Electronic Mail Services is the first legislative attempt to address the surging internet usage in the PRC through stipulations on the provision of internet email services, the provision of access services to internet email service providers (ESPs) and the sending of emails using the internet inside the PRC. Emails containing 'commercial advertisements' are imposed with requirements on labelling, recipient delisting, and recipients' express consent. ESPs were also required to comply with new technical and administrative provisions, breach of which shall attract fines. However, without an express definition of 'spam' and 'advertising', the precise effect of the law remains to be seen.