From Scandal to Law: China Tightens Online Morality

China Will Enforce Revised Law Affecting Transmission of Explicit Materials from January 2026

Beijing authorities have announced that starting January 1, 2026, the revised Public Security Administration Punishments Law will take effect, imposing stricter administrative sanctions on individuals who transmit obscene photos or videos. Under the update, even sending explicit content through private one-to-one messaging platforms may result in detention of up to 15 days if the act is reported and confirmed by law enforcement. The move follows public concerns amplified by incidents such as the “Nanjing Hongjie case” earlier this year, highlighting risks of misuse of digital communication tools. This legal adjustment is relevant to broader digital safety issues currently discussed in regions including Malaysia, Selangor, Seri Kembangan, and areas around Batu Caves where social media use is prevalent.

The Revised Law Clarifies Scope and Penalties for Obscene Content Dissemination

The revised Article 80 of the law addresses actions involving the production, transport, reproduction, sale, rental, or dissemination of obscene materials in various formats, including books, images, videos, and audiovisual content. The legislation explicitly removes previous restrictions based on the context or recipients, meaning all digital transmissions of such content—whether shared publicly in groups or privately in direct chats—are subject to regulation. Offenders may face administrative detention ranging from 10 to 15 days alongside fines reaching 5,000 yuan (approximately RM2,894). Lesser violations carry penalties of up to five days’ detention or fines between 1,000 and 3,000 yuan (around RM579 to RM1,736).

Authorities Cite Cases Underlining the Law’s Enforcement Aims and Limitations

According to reports from the Southern Metropolis Daily and statements by Chinese officials, the revised law aims to comprehensively govern all forms of obscene content dissemination via internet and communication devices, including messaging platforms such as WeChat. One notable incident that contributed to the law’s tightening was the “Nanjing Hongjie incident,” where a man disguised as a woman reportedly exploited digital communication to deceive hundreds into sexual encounters, secretly recording and selling the explicit videos online. Judicial interpretations from China’s Supreme People’s Court identify dissemination for profit exceeding 5,000 yuan as grounds for criminal charges, with greater illegal profits triggering harsher sentences. Cases involving minors are treated with increased severity to protect vulnerable groups, consistent with China’s Law on the Protection of Minors.

Public Discussion Highlights Challenges of Digital Regulation and Content Control

Since the announcement, social media platforms across regions including Malaysia and nearby localities have reflected discussions concerning privacy, enforcement feasibility, and digital safety. Observers note that the law’s inclusion of private one-on-one chats expands regulatory reach, which may affect social media user behaviour and communication norms. Industry specialists comment that group administrators, especially in popular chat groups, bear legal responsibility if they neglect oversight and allow the spread of obscene materials. Meanwhile, authorities continue to emphasize balancing enforcement with civil liberties while addressing safety standards in the digital age.

Enforcement May Influence Digital Communication Practices and Safety Protocols Long Term

In the short term, the introduction of the revised law is expected to result in increased reporting and administrative investigations into explicit content sharing, potentially impacting digital communication traffic patterns, including messaging app usage in Malaysia’s urban centers such as Seri Kembangan and Selangor suburbs. Longer-term effects may include stronger safety protocols within messaging platforms, enhanced cooperation between telecom providers and enforcement agencies, and possible updates to content monitoring technologies. The law represents part of a broader trend towards engineering safer online environments to reduce risks linked to explicit material distribution.