Chinese prosecutors warn of rising online crimes targeting minors

BEIJING, June 17 (Xinhua) -- Online crimes committed by adults against minors are on the rise in China, prompting calls for stronger safeguards and stricter enforcement, according to a white paper released by the country's top procuratorate.

More adults are using telecommunications and online platforms to cause harm to minors, said the white paper released Monday by the Supreme People's Procuratorate. In 2024, prosecutors across China filed charges against 3,347 individuals for such crimes -- a 14.1 percent increase from the previous year.

These offenses accounted for 7.3 percent of all adult-perpetrated crimes against minors in 2024, up from 6.9 percent in 2023, the white paper notes.

As underscored in the white paper, Chinese prosecutors have worked closely with cyberspace regulators and police to crack down on crimes that target minors such as cyberbullying and online sexual harassment. Efforts have also been intensified to punish those exploiting minors in telecom and internet-based fraud schemes.

Authorities have expanded legal protections for minors, the white paper says. That includes providing legal consultations, pressuring guardians to fulfill their responsibilities, and offering civil litigation support to help minors defend their rights.

The white paper calls for broader efforts to improve the overall digital environment for young people. Prosecutors have assisted in enforcing national regulations on the protection of minors and have pushed internet platforms to take more responsibility. ■