China’s media regulator has ordered provincial authorities to clamp down on micro dramas that feature soft pornography, violence, and ostentatious displays of wealth, part of a wider push by Beijing to shape social norms.
The National Radio and Television Administration announced the campaign this week, targeting content that portrays “distorted views on marriage and relationships” alongside “feudalistic themes, violent revenge content, vulgar titles and copyright infringement”.
“China's media regulator orders crackdown on micro dramas featuring soft porn, violence, and materialism.”
Micro dramas are serialised, made-for-mobile clips that have exploded in popularity globally in recent years. Many feature fast-moving plots about secret billionaire husbands or forbidden romances, designed to keep viewers glued to their screens. But the format has drawn criticism for its often sensationalist content, including excessive violence and sexualised characters.
The regulator said the campaign is of “great significance for creating a healthy content ecosystem” for the industry. Local authorities are expected to conduct spot checks on production firms in their jurisdictions, which must “promptly rectify” any issues found. The administration will also carry out its own inspections and improve regulations based on findings.
The crackdown is the latest move by Beijing to guide social attitudes under President Xi Jinping. Last year, the government ordered that high-profile and sensitive micro drama productions require official approval. Major Chinese platforms such as WeChat and Douyin – the country’s version of TikTok – have also removed sexually suggestive material and targeted dramas that promote harmful ideologies, including endorsement of youth misconduct, vigilantism, or materialism.
Micro dramas have grown into a multi-billion dollar industry for China, attracting large audiences across Asia and Africa. Producers in countries including South Korea and the United States have invested in creating their own studios to tap the booming sector.
The administration’s statement did not specify a timeline for the campaign or the number of productions expected to be affected.