Amended law requires records of minor offenses to be sealed

As of Jan 1, 2026, history of violations for lesser crimes will not be disclosed

People detained or fined for minor offenses such as damaging public facilities or getting into fights will no longer bear the burden of lifelong "social penalties" under a revised Chinese law requiring the sealing of such records.

In late June, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, passed the amended Law on Penalties for Administration of Public Security, which takes effect Jan 1.

The law states that records of administrative penalties, including fines or detentions for offenses such as disrupting public order or brawling, will be sealed and not disclosed to any department or individual, except when required by relevant State authorities for case handling.