China State Censorship Targets Karaoke, 'Low Taste' Content

China State Censorship Targets Karaoke, 'Low Taste' Content

SHANGHAI — The world’s most populous nation, China, has announced a further expansion of state censorship over content, targeting songs at karaoke parlors and also content that the government deems “low taste.”

Reuters reported today that starting October 1, China “will establish a blacklist of karaoke songs to ban those containing ‘illegal content’ at karaoke venues across the country.”

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism explained that such content “includes that which endangers national unity, sovereignty or territorial integrity, violates state religious policies by propagating cults or superstitions or which encourages illegal activities such as gambling and drugs.”

The official statement by China's state news agency states that songs will be banned if the government considers them to be "advocating obscenity, gambling, violence and drug-related crimes or instigating crimes."

Reuters also reported that the ministry “encouraged content providers to supply ‘healthy and uplifting’ music to these venues.”

Most recently, China’s online content censorship — which includes everything the Beijing regime considers “pornography” — has expanded to punish livestreaming platforms for hosting content it deems "low taste,” Reuters reported.

Last week, as XBIZ reported Monday, a global survey by cybersecurity specialists Comparitech described a worldwide trend towards increased censorship of Internet content — including blanket bans on “pornography” — led by China and other Asian nations.

“While it’s no great surprise to see the likes of China, Russia and North Korea topping the list,” the 2021 Comparitech report concluded, “the growing number of restrictions in many other countries is greatly concerning.”

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

Nerdgasm: A Look at the Naughty Side of Pop Culture Geekdom

From “Call of Duty” to cosplay, from tabletop dice rolls to dungeon-inspired dirty talk, the worlds of geek fandom and fantasy are no longer confined to the basement. They’ve kicked down the door, shed the “Firefly” tee and gone full frontal.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Moves to Outlaw Internet Pornography

A parliamentary committee of the Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday approved a measure to outlaw online adult content in the country.

Sweden Bans Purchase of 'Remote' Sexual Services

The Riksdag, Sweden’s parliament, has approved a proposal to criminalize purchasing sexual services performed remotely by streamers and custom content creators.

Asa Akira to Deliver XBIZ Talk at Miami Conference

XBIZ is pleased to announce that decorated performer, Pornhub brand ambassador, and author Asa Akira is set to deliver an exclusive talk at XBIZ Miami.

JustFor.fans Launches 'Fentanyl Test Strip' Initiative

JustFor.fans (JFF) has launched a test strip initiative to combat the nationwide fentanyl crisis.

2025 XBIZ Miami Speaker Lineup Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the release of the full speaker lineup for XBIZ Miami, the latest edition of the adult industry’s premier summer conference, set to take place May 19-22 at the Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach hotel in South Beach.

AV Bulletin: Arizona's About-Face, What New Laws Mean for Adult

Industry stakeholders and free speech advocates have anxiously been awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, which could significantly impact state age verification laws around the United States. In the meantime, state legislatures continue to weigh and pass AV bills, the U.K. and the EU are moving ahead with their own AV mandates and strategies, and legal challenges continue to play out in U.S. courts — with some cases on hold pending the SCOTUS ruling in Paxton.

Million Billion Media Launches New Website

Management and PR agency Million Billion Media (MBM) has launched a new website.

'Neon Nightswim' Party Returns to XBIZ Miami

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the annual Neon Nightswim Pool Party will once again illuminate XBIZ Miami on Tuesday, May 20.

FSC Addresses UK Age Verification Guidelines

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published an article offering guidance on the U.K.'s Online Safety Act and the various guidelines put forward by the country's telecommunications regulator Ofcom.The article follows:

Show More