The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) on Feb 4 issued a regulation banning the use of malicious content, such as avatars and account handles, across all Internet services.

The 10-clause CAC regulation stipulates that avatars and account handles should not include information that violates the Constitution or the country’s laws; subverts state power; undermines national security and sovereignty; or is deemed rumormongering.

Malicious content includes the promotion of cults and the dissemination of pornography or extremism, among others, according to the regulation.

The regulation says it will monitor all avatars and account handles registered on blogs, microblogs, instant messaging services, online forums, comment sections as well as other services.

The regulation will take effect on March 1.