China's National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) launched a two-month nationwide campaign on June 1, 2026, to crack down on harmful content in the micro-drama industry [1]. The campaign targets soft pornography, violence, materialism, distorted views on marriage, feudalistic themes, violent revenge, vulgar titles, and copyright infringement in locally produced serialized short videos designed for mobile devices [2, 3, 1, 4].
Micro dramas have rapidly grown in popularity in China and internationally, becoming a multi-billion yuan industry attracting large audiences across Asia and Africa [2, 3, 4]. The NRTA said the campaign is of “great significance for creating a healthy content ecosystem” to guide social norms and promote positive values such as marriage while discouraging harmful ideologies [2].
The crackdown involves provincial authorities conducting spot checks and inspections of micro drama production companies. According to the NRTA, "各省級廣電行政主管部門要建立巡查與抽查機制，一旦發現問題『即查即改、處置到位』"—meaning local administrative departments must establish patrol and spot-check mechanisms and promptly rectify identified problems [4].
Oversight also extends to major online platforms like WeChat and Douyin. These platforms have removed sexually suggestive and harmful content that promotes youth misconduct, vigilantism, or materialism [2, 3, 4]. A Chinese internet regulator said the action targets narratives that promote “world-weariness” or imply that “efforts are futile,” aiming to foster a more “civilized and rational” online environment [3].
The campaign follows last year’s government requirements that high-profile and sensitive micro drama productions must receive official approval before release [2, 3, 4]. It aligns with President Xi Jinping’s push for “common prosperity” policies to reduce wealth gaps and promote healthy social values [3, 4].
The two-month crackdown will be followed by long-term monitoring and new regulatory improvements to oversee the micro drama industry [1].
