Beijing: Filtering Software Directive Still in Force

BEIJING — Chinese officials said that last month's directive that PCs sold in the country contain state-backed antiporn software is still effective, despite reports that the government had altered the requirement, according to a report on the Taipei Times website.

The government is working to clarify the May 19 directive mandating use of the Green Dam Youth Escort software, Wang Lijian, spokesman at the Ministry of Industry and Information Industry, said by telephone yesterday.

Reports have surfaced that China planned to make the installation of the Green Dam software optional, citing an unidentified ministry official, indicating a reversal of the government's directive.

The directive requires all PCs sold in the country to include the Green Dam software, starting on July 1, to block Internet porn and other "unhealthy" online content. The directive was issued May 19 and publicly circulated on June 9.

Users who have tried the software say it prevents access to violence and pornography, but also has blocked discussions of homosexuality, images of comic book characters, mentions of the banned Falun Gong spiritual group and — Hong Kong media reports said — images of pigs, because the software confuses them with naked human flesh.

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Pennsylvania Legislature Weighs 'Porn Tax' Bill

The Pennsylvania State Senate is considering a bill that would impose a 10% tax on the revenue of adult websites doing business in that state.

Trump Tariffs Refund Process to Launch April 20

WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will begin the process of refunding duties paid under the Trump administration’s sweeping program of tariffs by providing, starting April 20, an online tool for submitting refund claims.

BranditScan Rolls Out 2 New Platform Features

BranditScan has introduced its new Traffic Optimization and Doxing Protection features for creators.

NMG Management Partners With Cosplayground to Scale Distribution

NMG Management has partnered with Cosplayground to expand the studio’s digital distribution and licensing operations.

Dreamcam Adds Real-Time Speech Translation

Dreamcam has introduced Voice Translator AI to its livestreaming platform.

UK Government May Limit 'Step' Porn Ban With New Amendments

The U.K. Ministry of Justice on Friday revealed new government amendments to the pending Crime and Policing Bill, potentially limiting a planned ban on “step” content to apply only if adult performers role-play as minors.

Arizona Senate Removes 'Catch-22' Provision From Consent Bill

The Arizona State Senate has amended a bill that would impose new requirements for adult content uploaded online, removing a seemingly contradictory provision that could have effectively made it impossible for adult sites to operate in the state.

Climaxx Media Launches Networking Platform

Climaxx Media has officially launched its new networking platform.

Italian Court in Aylo Case Limits International Reach of AV Rules

An Italian administrative court has ruled that Italy’s recently-enacted age verification rules for adult content may not currently be enforced against sites based in other EU member states, pending further procedural action under the EU’s Directive on Electronic Commerce.

OCC, FDIC Prohibit Use of 'Reputation Risk' by Regulators

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) on Tuesday issued a final rule codifying the elimination of "reputation risk" as a criterion in their supervision of financial institutions.

Show More