Urgent! Penalties imposed under new cybersecurity laws! These 3 common practices may get you fined.
Free Wi-Fi access without restrictions? Password posted openly at reception? Such careless operations may lead to official warnings, fines or even business suspension.
Strict supervision has been fully enforced. Since 2025, public security authorities in Xinjiang, Shandong, Jiangsu and other regions have launched intensive cybersecurity inspections on public internet venues. Dozens of hotels, homestays and bath centers have been penalized, receiving warnings, fines and rectification orders. Regulatory penalties are now strictly implemented.
I. Regulatory Requirements & Quantitative Standards
Network operators offering public Wi-Fi services at hotels, parks, offices and retail stores are subject to liabilities stipulated under two national laws and regulations.
The first is the newly revised Cybersecurity Law of the People's Republic of China, effective January 1, 2026. The second is Provisions on Public Security Organ Supervision and Inspection of Internet Security, Ministry of Public Security Order No.151.
The two regulations define three statutory obligations for operators:
Real-name Authentication: Verify users' genuine identity via phone numbers or ID documents. Anonymous network access is prohibited.
Log Retention: Fully record internet activities including real-name info, login & logout time, IP address, MAC address, visited URLs and traffic records. Logs shall be preserved for no less than 180 days, tamper-proof, exportable and auditable.
Security Protection: Deploy technical safeguards against viruses, attacks and intrusions, with basic functions of malicious URL filtering, intrusion detection and abnormal traffic identification.
The revised law raises the maximum corporate fine to 10 million yuan, and the maximum fine for liable individuals to 1 million yuan. The preferential warning rule for first-time violations is abolished, allowing authorities to impose fines directly.
II. M1: Integrated Compliance & Security Solution
AINOPOL launches the M1 multi-service security gateway with an innovative design.
Traditional solutions adopt separate devices: routers for Portal authentication, log servers for data storage and firewalls for security defense, which operate independently.
By contrast, AINOPOL M1 natively integrates authentication, log management and security protection into one single device, fulfilling all compliance requirements via one-time deployment.
Real-name Authentication: Deeply connected to Portal platform for instant access certification
The built-in Portal authentication system can interconnect with PMS. It supports multiple verification methods including SMS confirmation, WeChat QR scan, account password, room number and ID verification. Applicable to domestic and overseas guests, it delivers convenient and compliant one-click network access authentication.
Log Retention: Local encrypted storage complying with 180-day regulation
Equipped with enterprise-grade hard drive and dedicated log management system, M1 fully meets strict log retention rules stipulated by the Cybersecurity Law and MPS Order No.151.
It records complete whole-process online behaviors without omission. Core log information covers real-name data, login and logout time, IP address, MAC address, visited URLs, traffic statistics and application access records, forming comprehensive activity traces.
Logs are stored locally in encrypted form for 180 days with extendable duration. Adopting financial-grade encryption algorithms, data is protected against tampering, deletion and leakage. Automatic backup prevents data loss from device malfunctions, satisfying official standards on storage period and data security.
Administrators can accurately search logs and export standard files with one click, facilitating official inspection and audit efficiently.
Security Protection: Integrated gateway defense blocking threats at network entrance
Compliance requires not only real-name verification and log archiving, but also mandatory security protection to avoid penalties.
Embedded with second-generation firewall functions, M1 supports IPS, virus scanning, malicious URL filtering, application attack defense and abnormal traffic identification. It monitors inbound and outbound traffic round the clock. Built-in security capabilities at network gateway realize threat interception, full access control and real-time alert, covering all compliance and security demands with one device.
Three Deployment Modes for Diversified Scenarios
Adaptable to various network environments, M1 supports routing, bridging and bypass deployment, compatible with both optical network and traditional Ethernet access.
Routing Mode: Suitable for newly-built sites or places with simple network structure. The device is connected in series within the network, deployed at internal subnet boundaries or linked to core switches. It can replace firewalls or routers and requires configuration of internal and external network IP addresses.
Bridging Mode: Ideal for hotels with existing core routers or firewalls and unchanged network architecture. It works as a transparent bridge with plug-and-play access, no configuration modification needed, and supports single and multi-bridge deployment.
Bypass Mode: Designed for large chain hotels and complex centralized network management scenarios. Connected in bypass mode, it fully monitors and records traffic without altering the original network structure.
Hotels can choose flexibly based on network conditions and renovation budgets. It helps pass public security inspections efficiently and avoid legal risks without compromising guest internet experience.
Network compliance bears distinctive features. Proper daily compliance may seem unremarkable, yet inadequate compliance will lead to severe consequences.
Unlike marketing campaigns that bring immediate data growth, compliance serves as the hidden foundation. Neglected ordinarily, unstable foundation endangers all upper-layer operations.
If you operate public-access networks for hotels, parks, stores and other venues, it is high time to check your compliance status.
AINOPOL M1 multi-service security gateway eliminates compliance worries and chaotic security management, allowing network operators to focus on high-value business development.