Hong Kong (CNN Business) Chinese internet companies have started keeping detailed records of their users' personal information and online activity.

The new requirements apply to any company that provides online services which can influence public opinion or "mobilize the public to engage in specific activities," according to a notice posted on the Cyber Administration of China's website earlier this month.

Companies will now have to start logging the activities of users posting in blogs, microblogs, chat rooms, short video platforms and webcasts.

Citing the need to safeguard national security and social order, the Chinese regulator said companies must be able to verify users' identities and keep records of key information such as call logs, chat logs, times of activity and network addresses.