China
Asia
Age Verification Compliance Overview
This page provides comprehensive age verification and compliance information for China. Our research team continuously monitors regulatory changes, enforcement actions, and legal developments to ensure businesses have access to up-to-date compliance intelligence.
China has implemented a complete prohibition on age-restricted adult content, classified as "Banned". This ban typically includes website blocking, payment processing restrictions, and potential criminal penalties for violations. Businesses should not attempt to operate in this jurisdiction without explicit legal counsel, as enforcement may include criminal prosecution, substantial fines, and reputational damage.
The information below includes regulatory status, legal requirements, enforcement mechanisms, penalties for non-compliance, acceptable verification methods, and relevant regulatory authorities. This data is essential for platforms, content providers, and businesses that need to implement age-appropriate access controls or verify user ages.
Please note: Adult content access is currently prohibited in China. This ban may affect website accessibility, payment processing, and service availability. Businesses should consult legal counsel before operating in this jurisdiction.
Minimum Age
N/A (Banned)
Content is completely prohibited
Age Gate Required
No
No verification required
Last Verified
10/11/2025
Most recent data update
Regulatory Timeline
Historical changes and upcoming regulatory events
- Banned
Public Comment Period Ends for Draft Identification Measures: The public comment period for the draft Measures for the Identification of Online Platform Service Providers with a Substantial Number of Minor Users and Significant Influence on Minors ends.
- Banned
Draft Measures for Identifying Online Platform Service Providers Issued: The CAC issued draft Measures for the Identification of Online Platform Service Providers with a Substantial Number of Minor Users and Significant Influence on Minors.
- Banned
Regulations on the Protection of Minors in Cyberspace Effective: The Regulations on the Protection of Minors in Cyberspace came into effect, imposing obligations on various entities to protect minors online.
- Banned
Regulations on the Protection of Minors in Cyberspace Published: The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) published the Regulations on the Protection of Minors in Cyberspace.
- Banned
Regulations on the Protection of Minors in Cyberspace Signed by Premier: Premier Li Qiang signed Decree No. 766, the Regulations on the Protection of Minors in Cyberspace.
- Banned
Regulations on the Protection of Minors in Cyberspace Adopted: Decree No. 766 of the State Council, also known as the Regulations on the Protection of Minors in Cyberspace, was adopted at the 15th executive meeting of the State Council.
- Banned
Third Round of Comments on Regulations on the Protection of Minors in Cyberspace Solicited: The CAC solicited comments for the third time on the Regulations on the Protection of Minors in Cyberspace.
- Banned
Minors Protection Law (2020 Revision) Effective: The amended Minors Protection Law, with its new 'network protection' chapter, became effective.
- Banned
Minors Protection Law (2020 Revision) Passed: The revised Minors Protection Law was passed, adding a dedicated 'network protection' chapter to safeguard minors' online rights.
- Banned
Provisions on Cyber Protection of Personal Information of Children (PCPPIC) Effective: The PCPPIC came into effect, regulating the personal information of children under 14.
- Banned
Provisions on Cyber Protection of Personal Information of Children (PCPPIC) Released: The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) released the PCPPIC, setting requirements for the collection, storage, use, transfer, and disclosure of personal information of children under 14.
- Banned
Cybersecurity Law of the People's Republic of China Effective: The Cybersecurity Law came into effect, prohibiting content that 'contains content prohibited by laws and administrative regulations,' including pornography.
- Banned
Second Round of Comments on Regulations on the Protection of Minors in Cyberspace Solicited: The former Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council solicited second-round comments on the Regulations on the Protection of Minors in Cyberspace.
- Banned
First Draft of Regulations on the Protection of Minors in Cyberspace Issued: The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) issued the first draft of the Regulations on the Protection of Minors in Cyberspace for public comment.
- Banned
Kuaibo Founder Wang Xin Sentenced: Kuaibo founder and CEO Wang Xin was sentenced to three and a half years in prison and fined $150,000.
- Banned
Kuaibo Offices Raided and Service Shut Down: Police raided Kuaibo's offices in Shenzhen, leading to the shutdown of the service.
- Banned
Kuaibo (QVOD) Launched: Video player Kuaibo, a popular platform for pirated content including pornography, was launched.
- Banned
Erotica Juneday Shut Down, Founder Jailed: Authorities shut down Erotica Juneday and sentenced its founder, Chen Hui, to life in prison.
- Banned
Jailing of 99 Erotica Forum Workers: 11 workers of 99 Erotica Forum were sentenced to jail time ranging from three to 12 years for disseminating obscene material.
- Banned
Crackdown on Porn Portals: Porn portals like 99 Erotica Forum and Erotica Juneday flourished and subsequently faced crackdowns by authorities.
- Banned
Measures for the Administration of Internet Information Services: Regulation prohibiting content that 'propagates obscenity, pornography, gambling, violence, murder, terror, or incites the commission of crimes'.
Data Sources
Legal documents and references supporting this data
Showing 5 of 9 sources
securiti.aichina-regulation-to-protect-minors-in-cyberspace
qz.comhow-the-chinese-watch-porn-on-chinas-censored-internet
twobirds.comchina-strengthens-the-protection-of-minors-in-cyberspace
globalprivacyblog.comchina-issues-new-cybersecurity-law-to-protect-children
trustcloud.techage-verification-global-scale-different-countries-approaching-access-sensitive-con...
All sources are evaluated for credibility and relevance. Primary sources indicate official legal documents and government publications. Credibility scores reflect source reliability based on jurisdiction, publication authority, and verification status.
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Regulatory Authorities
Regulator contacts will appear here as they become available.