Seminar on Building a Secure Internet Ecosystem Highlights Policy, Legal, and Technical Challenges

Recently, the "Jointly Build Internet Security Ecosystem" seminar was held at the Beijing Lidu Weijing Hotel, bringing together more than 40 representatives from government agencies, academic institutions, industry associations, and internet companies for active discussion.

Alibaba Group Security Vice President Yu Weimin emphasized in his opening remarks that the rapid development of the internet brings enormous security challenges, and China must transition from an internet power to a strong internet power through joint efforts of government, academia, and enterprises.

Alibaba security experts presented reports on the current state of internet black‑gray markets, experiences in building internet security, and the implementation of judicial measures against internet crimes.

Director Zhang Yanbin of the Information Institute, China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, shared his experience in governing harmful information, noting that harmful content is becoming IP‑based, internet‑based, and even IoT‑based, leaving significant legal gaps. He highlighted telecom fraud as a red line and suggested targeted advertising SMS to reduce public disturbance.

Min Jinghua, chief engineer of security standardization at China Great Wall Network, discussed security incident investigation, evidentiary standards, and international norms, stressing that security evidence is highly valued internationally and that developing national standards requires coordination across legal, administrative, and technical domains.

Associate Professor Wu Shenkuo of Beijing Normal University analyzed the "Two Courts and One Ministry" regulations on electronic evidence, praising their advanced and original aspects that surpass Western standards. He argued that combating cybercrime requires legislation, micro‑level support, and that new cyber‑security laws increase the responsibilities of internet enterprises, with evidence being a key lever against black‑gray markets.

During the interactive session, a Meituan‑Dianping expert described the black‑gray market as a loosely coupled ecosystem where participants avoid detection yet collaborate more efficiently than firms, urging companies to establish tighter joint‑defense mechanisms, rapid response, and source‑level interdiction.

Yu Weimin reiterated that while the internet economy evolves quickly, legislation lags behind, calling for faster legal support, academic involvement to improve public‑authority response speed, and a mobilization of stakeholders to accelerate the formulation of internet security laws.

Wu Shenkuo noted that traditional crime has declined under comprehensive governance, whereas cybercrime is rising, necessitating new integrated governance approaches.

Min Jinghua emphasized the need to clearly define internet software, distinguishing tools from weapons used in black‑gray activities.

Zhang Yanbin reiterated that internet security cannot rely solely on government or enterprises; it requires a collective effort from all parties to create a safe environment.

Deng Heng, an expert from the Supreme People's Court Research Institute, explained that cybercriminals succeed because they have detailed knowledge of victims' information, and current enforcement mainly targets low‑level actors, leaving higher‑level perpetrators insufficiently addressed; he called for stronger governance and enhanced capabilities of government and non‑profit organizations.

An expert from the Internet Association concluded that combating black‑gray markets demands an ecological coalition that shares data, demonstrates strong determination, and strengthens education and awareness to improve preventive measures.