On December 28, 2012, the Standing Committee of the 11th National People's Congress passed the Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on Strengthening Network Information Protection ("Decision") during its 30th session. The Decision has been in effect since the date of its promulgation. Prior to the release of the Decision, provisions relating to network information protection in China were scattered throughout various laws, administrative regulations, and administrative rules including but not limited to Criminal Law, Tort Law, and Administrative Measures Governing Internet Information Services.
