Adult comic and animation fans in China now face limits on the types of entertainment they can view due to recent restrictions aimed at protecting minors from vulgarity.
The National Radio and Television Administration, China’s broadcasting authority, announced on Friday that it would ban cartoons and other television shows primarily produced for children that contain any mention of violence, blood, vulgarity, or pornography.
“Children and adolescents are the main audience groups of cartoons,” the authority said, advising broadcast organizations to establish special TV channels for children that present a good environment for “the healthy growth of young people.”
However, the new regulations apply to all current cartoons on television, as well as those that are streamed online. While the administration did not name any specific shows on the chopping block, networks did not hesitate to institute bans under the policy immediately.
CHINA LIMITS ONLINE VIDEO GAMES TO THREE HOURS A WEEK FOR MINORS
One popular Japanese cartoon series called Ultraman Tiga was removed from online streaming platforms on Friday. The show, which tells the story of a superhero who protects Earth from aliens and monsters, may have been removed due to its “violent plot,” according to state-run tabloid the Global Times.
The removal of the cartoon sparked backlash from users on Weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform.
“So many people liked to watch the animation Tiga when they were young. It not only [expresses] belief in the light, but it’s also my people’s childhood memories. Besides, it doesn’t bring people any negative impact,” one Weibo user commented under the now-deleted post, CNN reported.
The Chinese regulator also recently banned some reality shows, restricted social media fan culture, and ordered broadcasters to resist “abnormal aesthetics” such as “sissy” men.
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In another move targeting minors, China announced last month that citizens under 18 will be limited to three hours of online video games during the week in an effort to improve physical health and prevent video game addiction.
