Balancing Sexual Health, Social Morality, and Public Order: Policy Challenges in China’s Identification of Obscene and Pornographic Content

A reasonable approach to the identification and regulation of pornographic content is a vital prerequisite for balancing sexual health, social morality, and public order. However, many countries continue to face challenges in both the formulation and implementation of policies regarding the identification and regulation of such content. This commentary examines the relevant policy provisions and practical enforcement mechanisms concerning the identification of obscene and pornographic content in China. It highlights several key challenges in the current approach, including the lack of evaluation from the perspective of the content's intended audience, the absence of a classification system, and the limited involvement of professionals and social resources with relevant expertise in the identification process. Based on these insights, the commentary suggests corresponding policy recommendations. The aim is to contribute to the improvement of identification mechanisms for obscene and pornographic content in China and in other countries facing similar challenges, thereby promoting the development of policies that can effectively balance the protection of individual sexual health with the maintenance of social and public order.