(ECNS) -- A new regulation governing online advertising will require prior approval on medical and health ads before they are released on the Internet, according to the official website of China's State Administration of Industry and Commerce.
The Temporary Administrative Rule on Internet Advertising released on Friday will take effect on Sept. 1.
Products including drugs, medical apparatus and health foods must acquire approval from advertisement examination departments before they are promoted online, the new rule states.
It also requires prominent display of the word "advertisement" so the online community is aware the content is sponsored. Paid advertisements on search engines must be marked distinctively in contrast to conventional search results, it added.
The rule also said pop-up ads should have a clear closing mark and can be closed with just one click.
Besides, without permission of users, no advertising links can be added to emails.
