Title: Limits on Freedom of Expression
Headings: Limits on Freedom of Expression: China
Limits on Freedom of Expression: China
I. Introduction
II. Limits on Freedom of Speech
A. Constitution
B. Laws
1. Cybersecurity Law
2. Regulation on the Administration of Publishing
3. Regulation on Radio and Television Administration
III. Mechanism to Control Foreign Broadcasters Working on Behalf of Foreign Governments

Content: 1]
According to the Freedom House’s 2019 Freedom in the World report, China has become “home to one of the world’s most restrictive media environments and its most sophisticated system of censorship, particularly online.” The Freedom House report observes that the government’s ability to monitor online and offline communications “has increased dramatically in recent years.” [ 2]
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II. Limits on Freedom of Speech
A. Constitution
Article 35 of the PRC Constitution provides that “ [c]itizens of the People’s Republic of China enjoy freedom of speech, of the press, of assembly, of association, of procession and of demonstration.” [ 3] Meanwhile, article 51 states that citizens, “in exercising their freedoms and rights, may not infringe upon the interests of the State, of society or of the collective, or upon the lawful freedoms and rights of other citizens.” [ 4]
B. Laws
Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are tightly restricted by specific laws and regulations. [ 5] Typically, laws and regulations governing cyberspace, the press, and the media contain a list of prohibited content and penalties for violations. Such prohibited content includes but is not limited to matters concerning national security, terrorism, ethnic hatred, violence, and obscenity. 1. Cybersecurity Law
The PRC Cybersecurity Law, which took effect on June 1, 2017, provides that the state protects the rights of citizens, legal persons, and other organizations to use networks “in accordance with the law,” and prescribes a series of prohibited activities when using networks. [