Service providers can collect user information, but their use of the data is restricted by law. Collection is only justifiable if it is for the sole purpose of making the information available to relevant State authorities when inquiries are sought, or when users infringe third-party copyright through the Internet.

Increasing technical awareness

Currently most of China's Internet users cannot circumvent the Great Firewall to access forbidden information. However, Internet users become increasingly more sophisticated. In a BBC article, Chinese bloggers reported that Google.cn gives searchers "more opportunities to triangulate"--i.e. to access forbidden content through an approved source. It is hoped that the pace of Internet users' sophistication will eventually outstrip the inventiveness (and resolve) of the Chinese authorities to devise preventative measures.

Other media regulations

Overall responsibility for the regulation and development of China's radio and television program production industry lies with the PRC's State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT). In light of the "strong ideological content" inherent in radio and television program production, SARFT's tendency is to retain firm control over foreign involvement in this market sector. In particular, SARFT will scrutinize the "political leanings and backgrounds of foreign partners in order to prevent the infiltration of undesirable thinking and culture into [China's] program production sectors."