CAC issues Guidelines for Establishing Minors’ Modes for Mobile Internet (15 Nov 2024)

The Cyberspace Administration of China page 移动互联网未成年人模式建设指南, opened 20 September 2026, is dated 15 November 2024 (source line: 中国网信网). The document is framed as a 指南 (guidelines) under the Cybersecurity Law, PIPL, Minors Protection Law and the Minors Network Protection Regulations. The page does not state a separate later effective date beyond that publication stamp.

Three-party linkage

Minors mode is specified for mobile smart terminals, apps, and app-distribution platforms together. Required behaviours on the page include shared interfaces for time, content and permission management; one-tap start/exit on the terminal with apps and stores switching in sync; and unified settings across multiple terminals from the same maker.

Terminal entry should be available via at least three paths (boot prompt, desktop icon, system settings). Exit and factory reset need guardian verification (password / fingerprint / face). The mode icon must stay visible and not be uninstallable, frozen or hidden while active; system date/time cannot be changed inside the mode.

Default time caps (terminal)

Continuous use beyond 30 minutes should trigger a rest reminder. Exempt from the duration/curfew defaults: necessary system functions; basic communications (SMS, calls, contacts); education apps filed with the competent authority; and apps the guardian marks as exempt.

These terminal defaults sit alongside existing NPPA online-game anti-addiction schedules; the guidelines separately tell game apps to keep national anti-addiction measures and to avoid content or features that may harm minors’ physical or mental health. Do not read the 1-hour / 2-hour totals as a replacement for the Fri/Sat/Sun/holiday game-play window without checking NPPA rules.

Apps and stores

Apps in minors mode must run an age-banded content pool (bands on the page: under 3; 3–8; 8–12; 12–16; 16–18), block harmful and imitative-risk content, avoid addiction-inducing design, keep stranger DMs off by default, and — for online education products aimed at minors — not insert online-game links or unrelated ads. Distribution platforms must offer a minors zone, age-label apps, and review listings that appear in minors mode.

What this does not tell a global UA team

Download the defaults card. For game UA, pair this guide with the still-enforced NPPA anti-addiction schedule rather than substituting one for the other.

Research checked 20 September 2026. Local draft; human editorial review pending.