China introduces tougher measures on dissemination of obscene content starting next year
Beijing has announced that a revised Public Security Administration Punishments Law will come into effect from January 1, 2026, imposing stricter penalties for individuals transmitting explicit photos or videos, even through one-to-one private messaging. The new regulation applies across China, including regions where digital communication is integral to daily social interactions, such as urban areas in Malaysia like Selangor and Seri Kembangan, where awareness of online safety has grown. This move follows a surge in high-profile incidents involving digital obscene material and highlights evolving safety and legal standards within the broader East Asian context.
Legal changes follow widely reported cases highlighting risks of private sharing
The updated law has gained renewed focus following the so-called “Nanjing Hongjie incident” earlier in 2025. In that case, a 38-year-old man reportedly disguised himself as a woman to lure hundreds of men into sexual acts, secretly recorded the events, and subsequently sold the explicit videos for profit. The content then spread rapidly online, raising concerns about privacy, consent, and digital content management. Authorities have confirmed that transmitting obscene images or videos will now be subject to administrative detention for up to 15 days if verified by the relevant enforcement agencies. Offenders may also face monetary fines, with more severe penalties when minors are involved.
Authorities outline specific penalties and scope of enforcement under revised Article 80
According to official statements reported by Southern Metropolis Daily, Article 80 of the revised law broadens the scope of punishable behaviour. It now covers all forms of producing, transporting, reproducing, selling, renting, or disseminating obscene materials—including books, images, videos, and audio-visual content—via the internet, telephone, or other communication means. This applies regardless of whether the content is shared publicly, in groups, or through one-on-one chats on messaging platforms like WeChat. Authorities have indicated that administrative detention could last between 10 and 15 days, alongside fines of up to 5,000 yuan (approximately RM2,894), depending on the severity of the offence.
The legal framework reflects growing concern over digital safety and social media abuses
Discussions in social media circles and expert commentaries suggest that these changes underscore a heightened governmental focus on digital content governance. In Malaysia and neighbouring regions, where rapid digitalisation parallels China’s trajectory, this also signals increased vigilance against online misconduct involving obscene materials. Industry observers note that group chat administrators, especially in popular communication hubs such as Batu Caves and Seri Kembangan, might bear responsibility if they fail to control the spread of explicit content within their groups. Judicial interpretations from China’s Supreme People’s Court clarify that dissemination for profit, especially when illegal income surpasses 5,000 yuan, transitions into a criminal offence with harsher consequences.
Anticipated effects on digital communication and public safety standards in the near and distant future
In the short term, the enforcement of this law is expected to drive increased reporting and investigations of explicit content dissemination cases, potentially causing cautiousness among users in private digital interactions. Traffic on messaging platforms may see behavioural changes as users become more aware of legal risks. Long-term impacts include potential improvements in online safety frameworks and digital content management strategies. Entities involved in engineering secure digital platforms and traffic safety online may intensify efforts to implement stronger controls and monitoring tools. Although the law focuses on punitive measures, it aligns with broader public safety objectives relevant to numerous localities, including Malaysia’s tech hubs in Selangor and urban areas like Batu Caves, where digital communication is prevalent.
