China took another grand step to reduce the amount of content suitable for streaming online to nearly nothing but the state-sponsored news stations.
The State General Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT) issued a ruling that banned nearly everything related to sex, drugs and violence for all content streamed online, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The ruling banned scenes of one-night stands, extramarital affairs, partner-swapping and excessive physical contact. It also ruled out scenes of sexual abuse, partner-swapping, flirtation, rape, incest, necrophilia, prostitution, sexual perversion and masturbation.
The censorship didn't stop there. The ruling also struck down scenes showing murder, gore, suicide, kidnapping, drug abuse, gambling, ghostly scenes or "excessive horror." Subtitles and headlines with any reference to sex or nudity will be banned as well.
The excessive cuts extend to websites hosting voyeur cameras and pornographic texts as well as shows depicting animal abuse, or hunting and eating of endangered species. The state organization will focus its ruling on online music videos, short films, animations and selfies.
The ruling comes less than two weeks after China started requiring permits as well as prior review on all foreign TV shows and movies set to view online, according to China Daily.
The regulations, also enforced by SAPPRFT will delay the release of these programs for Chinese audiences and not allow them to stream simultaneously with fans abroad.
The decision will affect U.S. shows like "The Big Bang Theory and "The Good Wife" as well as popular South Korean soap operas.
