Chinese Social Media Giant Weibo Ordered to Crack Down on 'Soft Porn'

Chinese Social Media Giant Weibo Ordered to Crack Down on 'Soft Porn'

SHANGHAI, China — China’s social media giant Weibo announced a sweeping overhaul of its content moderation to target and eliminate any content deemed to be sexual expression, or “soft porn,” after receiving a hefty fine by Chinese internet regulators.

According to a CNBC report, the Cyberspace Administration of China announced last week on its official WeChat account that it had “fined Weibo’s operator because some accounts and content has violated relevant laws and regulations.”

On Tuesday, Weibo also announced the creation of a work team dedicated to “identifying and intercepting soft porn content.”

Chinese authorities report having fined Weibo up to 44 times this year for supposed content violations, many of them related to public morality legislation, with the fines totaling 14.3 million yuan or approximately $2.3 million.

“The platform must rigorously comply with its responsibilities,” China’s main online censorship enforcer admonished, noting that such compliance must include stepping up efforts to “monitor public information, reinforce the management of the information published by its users and not provide a communication platform for illegal information.”

The Cyberspace Administration of China defined the objectionable material, including what it considers “soft porn,” as “serious content prohibited by national law.”

Weibo told the regulator the company “sincerely accepts the criticism” and promised to “apply the requirements with determination through manual and automated strategies to prevent the publication of soft porn content.”

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

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content

A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.

New UK Task Force Meets to Target Adult Content

The architect of an influential report that recommended banning adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic” has convened an “Independent Pornography Review task force” aimed at translating that report’s findings into action in the U.K.

11:11 Creations Launches Affiliate Program

11:11 Creations principal Alicia Silver has launched 11:11 Cash for creators and affiliates.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'Self Love' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers to develop self-love.

Show More