Authorities Target Harmful Content in Micro Dramas
Chinese authorities have initiated a crackdown on materialistic, violent, and sexualized content in domestically produced micro dramas.
Provincial officials are mandated to review the work of micro drama creators as part of a two-month campaign aimed at cultivating a "clean and healthy" industry, according to China's National Radio and Television Administration.
Scope and Focus of the Campaign
The campaign focuses on eight categories of content, including soft pornography, "distorted views on marriage and relationships," and "ostentatious displays of wealth."
Micro dramas, which are serialized clips designed for mobile viewing, have surged in popularity worldwide in recent years but have also faced criticism for frequently sensationalist content.
Many productions feature rapid, dramatic plotlines involving themes such as secret billionaire spouses and forbidden romances, crafted to maintain viewer engagement.
There has also been a notable presence of excessive violence and sexualized characters in these shows.
Official Statements and Measures
China's media administration stated this week that the campaign holds "great significance for creating a healthy content ecosystem" within the micro drama sector.
The campaign will address key issues including soft pornography, "materialism and ostentatious displays of wealth" and "distorted views on marriage and relationships."
It will also target "feudalistic themes, violent revenge content, vulgar titles and copyright infringement," the statement read.
Local authorities are expected to conduct unannounced inspections of production companies within their jurisdictions, requiring immediate correction of any identified problems, the media regulator added.
The administration will also perform its own audits and refine regulations based on insights gained during the campaign.
Industry Growth and International Influence
Micro dramas have evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry in China, attracting large audiences globally, including in other parts of Asia and Africa.
Producers in countries such as South Korea and the United States have invested in establishing micro drama studios to capitalize on the expanding market.
Previous Campaigns and Context
In 2025, the Chinese government conducted a separate two-month campaign targeting online content perceived to excessively promote "pessimistic sentiments."
This earlier crackdown focused on narratives suggesting that studying and hard work were "useless," as well as content encouraging "world-weariness."
According to China's Cyberspace Administration, the campaign's goal was to address negativity and "create a more civilised and rational online environment."
China has faced economic challenges in recent years, including unemployment and intense job competition, contributing to anxiety among segments of its youth population.
