Chinese Man Fined for Posting Porn Link Online

HONG KONG — A Chinese man has been fined $640 for posting a link to eight pornographic images in an online forum, reportedly the city's first obscenity ruling related to Internet porn under its obscene and indecent articles laws.

Woo Tai-wai pleaded guilty to the charges, having included a hyperlink in an online forum message that allowed forum visitors access to an adult website that featured the obscene photos in question, according to the South China Morning Post.

Charles Mok Nai-kwong, chairman of Internet Society, an organization devoted to Internet education and information, said he is concerned the ruling could open future legal issues regarding Internet responsibility and online censorship.

"In this case, the court has given a new direction to the public concerning the responsibility of Internet users," Nai-kwong said.

He also questions whether a hyperlink can be considered an "obscene article" under current law, adding that search engines such as Google carry adult-site links similar to the one Tai-wai posted.

"In cases where search engines list out all the links to pornographic websites, is it justifiable to ask whether these would have to undergo censorship as they also provide these hyperlinks to obscene articles?" Nai-kwon said.

Chinese police began a countrywide crackdown on Internet porn April 12, and have since received more than 13,000 reports of adult material online. Reports have increased from around 300 to nearly 700 every day, making up 31 percent of all reports received by police during this period, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

Copyright © 2025 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

Age Verification Watch: Patching the Holes

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Pineapple Support to Host Autism Spectrum Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group for performers and creators who are, or suspect they may be, on the autism spectrum.

ImLive Launches Revamped Member Loyalty Program

Cam platform ImLive has revamped its member loyalty program.

GoFundMe Set Up for Danny Ferretti's Medical Expenses

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Fangear founder Danny Ferretti, who requires extensive lung surgery.

Byborg Acquires Cuties AI

Byborg Enterprises has acquired adult artificial intelligence startup Cuties AI.

Irish Government Releases Report on Sex Work Decriminalization Legislation

The Irish government has released a report reviewing a 2017 law that decriminalized sex work across the country.

Texas Bill Would Require Age Verification for Online Sex Toy Sales

A new bill in the Texas state legislature would require online retailers to implement age verification of purchasers before selling “obscene devices” to anyone in that state.

New York Assemblyman Proposes Banning the Term 'Sex Work'

Republican New York Assembly Member Brian Maher has introduced a bill to prohibit the use of the term "sex work" in government documents.

Age Verification Watch: Michigan Joins the AV Club, Some Laws Just Make No Sense

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Free Speech Groups Back SCOTUS Appeal of Georgia Strip Club Tax

Two civil liberties organizations filed an amicus brief Tuesday supporting a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear an appeal in a case involving whether a tax specifically aimed at adult entertainment establishments violates the First Amendment.

Show More