Chinese authorities have stepped up measures to strictly regulate "vertical series," directing local agencies to purge series containing obscene, violent content and promoting materialism after a surge on mobile platforms. This aims to organize society and establish a "clean" content ecosystem amid government efforts to shape social values and create an online environment consistent with state policy.
The National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) of China has ordered provincial agencies nationwide to launch a campaign targeting domestic "vertical series" content, focusing on displays of ostentatious wealth, excessive violence, and obscene material.
Chinese officials stated that these measures are crucial to creating a healthy content ecosystem for viewers. The crackdown targets distorted views on love and relationships, content undermining proper marriage values, promotion of violent revenge or forceful decisions, exaggerated displays of wealth affecting social attitudes, as well as crude titles and copyright violations.
"Vertical series" are a highly popular entertainment format in China and many countries worldwide, consisting of short episodes designed for mobile phone viewing. Each episode lasts only a few minutes and typically features intense, fast-paced, and engaging storylines.
Popular content among large audiences often involves secretive billionaires, forbidden love, revenge, or family conflicts. However, many series have been criticized for violent scenes, sexualized character portrayals, or promoting excessive wealth-focused values.
The success of this industry has attracted foreign investment, with producers in countries like South Korea and the United States establishing studios to produce vertical series and compete in the rapidly growing market.
However, under President Xi Jinping's leadership, the Chinese government is promoting a "common prosperity" policy to reduce income gaps. Portrayals of wealthy individuals living lavish lifestyles in these dramas are seen as threats to political and social stability, especially as China faces economic challenges and youth unemployment.
Previously, major platforms such as WeChat and Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok) began removing content deemed obscene or promoting inappropriate youth behavior. Meanwhile, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has launched a separate campaign to combat overly pessimistic online content.
This campaign targets rhetoric promoting "world-weariness" or the idea that "hard work is futile." Authorities seek to transform the online space into one that is "civilized and rational" to reduce anxiety among young people facing intense competition in the job market.
From now on, local agencies will rigorously conduct random inspections of media producers under their jurisdiction. Any issues found must be corrected immediately. Meanwhile, production of sensitive or high-profile mini-series will require prior approval from authorities to ensure these media serve as a "compass" guiding social values in the direction the government desires.
. BBC