China cracks down on violence and misogyny in viral micro dramas

Chinese regulators have launched a two-month inspection campaign targeting micro drama producers to foster a 'clean and healthy' industry, the National Radio and Television Administration announced^[1].

The campaign will focus on eight categories of content deemed problematic, including soft pornography, distorted views on marriage and relationships, and ostentatious displays of wealth^[1]. Provincial authorities are required to conduct spot checks on production firms, which must promptly rectify any issues found^[1]. The media administration stated the initiative is of 'great significance for creating a healthy content ecosystem' for the industry^[1].

Micro dramas are serialized, made-for-mobile clips that have exploded in popularity globally in recent years^[1]. The format has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry in China, attracting large audiences worldwide^[1]. Producers in countries like South Korea and the United States have invested in creating their own micro drama studios to tap the booming sector^[2].

The regulator said the campaign will also target feudalistic themes, violent revenge content, vulgar titles, and copyright infringement^[1]. This follows a separate two-month campaign launched in 2025 against online content deemed to promote 'pessimistic sentiments' and 'world-weariness'^[1].