More oversight of internet bars to prevent misuse

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism said on Thursday that it will step up oversight of internet bars in rural areas to prevent them being misused by minors.

Local law enforcement authorities were urged to target internet bars that provide services to minors, fail to check customer ID cards, and operate bars without a license, the ministry said.

It has blacklisted 52 internet bars whose licenses were revoked for admitting minors. The legal representatives or owners of these internet bars are forbidden from opening another internet bar for five years.

The ministry also vowed efforts to step up routine inspections and improve the blacklist system and encourage internet bars to further improve their services. Public tip-offs about bars violating the laws were also encouraged.

Long-distance medical services to be enhanced

The National Health Commission published three pilot regulations on Friday to enable medical institutions to provide more standardized internet medical services.

The three regulations, which will enhance long-distance medical services and improve efficiency of medical services, divides Internet Plus medical care into three categories: long-distance medical care, diagnostic services and treatment.

They also clarified the access threshold for internet hospitals and diagnostic services and treatment provided through the internet as well as the legal liabilities for internet hospitals.

The commission will also step up supervision of internet medical services and create a favorable policy environmental for new types of medical service.