China Cracks Down on Low-Quality Online Micro-Dramas
In a bid to promote the healthy development of the online micro-drama industry, the Chinese government has introduced a new regulation that prohibits the online transmission of low-quality micro-dramas. According to a recent notice published by the National Radio and Television Administration, all micro-dramas must undergo a "classification and layered audit" system, which categorizes them into three levels. The regulation stipulates that online video platforms are not allowed to broadcast micro-dramas without a permit or filing number, nor can they promote or recommend such content. This move aims to maintain social morals and promote positive social values by keeping inappropriate content offline.
5 February 2025
The National Radio and Television Administration of China has issued a notice requiring the implementation of a "category-based, layered audit" system for micro-short dramas. This policy is aimed at promoting the healthy development of the micro-short drama industry, which has grown rapidly in recent years. The notice, titled "Notice on Further Promoting the Development and Security of the Micro-Short Drama Industry," requires all micro-short dramas to obtain a "Network Drama Release License" or complete the necessary reporting procedures before they can be broadcast online. The notice also stipulates that micro-short dramas must be classified into three categories based on their investment, content, and broadcast platform.
The classification system includes "key micro-short dramas" with a total investment of over 100,000 yuan, "ordinary micro-short dramas" with an investment between 30,000 yuan and 100,000 yuan, and "other micro-short dramas" with an investment of less than 30,000 yuan. Each category has its own set of guidelines and requirements for reporting and auditing. The notice also requires that micro-short dramas be audited before they are broadcast online, and that those promoted on the homepage of video platforms must be reviewed by the National Radio and Television Administration.
The online community has largely expressed support for the ban on such micro-dramas, believing that it helps maintain social order and promotes positive social values. Many netizens have welcomed the move, citing concerns over the potential negative influence of explicit or suggestive content on minors. They argue that certain plotlines could have a corrupting influence on young minds and that repeated exposure to such themes could have dire consequences for children. The emphasis on maintaining a clean and respectful online environment is seen as a necessary measure to protect the innocence and impressionability of children.
Others have expressed relief that steps are being taken to address the issue, citing personal experiences of stumbling upon inappropriate content that they felt was not only distasteful but also potentially harmful to vulnerable viewers. The majority of netizens appear to stand behind the decision to ban the online transmission of micro-dramas deemed to be of poor taste or moral ambiguity. This stance is rooted in a desire to preserve social decency, promote wholesome values, and ensure that the digital landscape remains a safe and educational space for all, especially the young and impressionable.
The policy has sparked a discussion about censorship versus promoting better content, with some believing that instead of restricting and banning low-quality content, there should be an emphasis on encouraging the production of high-quality micro-short dramas. The policy may have implications for freedom of expression and creativity in the online sphere, raising questions about what constitutes "low-quality" or "inappropriate" content and who should be the arbiter of such decisions. Netizens play a crucial role in shaping the discussion around the quality and content of micro-short dramas, influencing producers and policymakers, potentially leading to changes in how content is regulated and produced.
The policy could lead to a shift in how micro-short dramas are produced and consumed, with producers focusing more on creating content that adheres to strict guidelines, potentially stifling innovation and diversity in storytelling. On the other hand, it could also lead to an increase in the production of higher-quality content that appeals to a wider audience. As the online landscape continues to evolve, it will be important to balance the need for regulation with the importance of fostering a vibrant and diverse cultural ecosystem.
