China has banned OnlyFans as part of its broader effort to regulate online content

admin August 14, 2025

China has banned OnlyFans as part of its broader effort to regulate online content and curb what it deems “immoral Western influences.” The ban, announced by the Cyberspace Administration of China on July 21, 2025, targets the UK-based subscription platform known for adult content, labeling it a “symbol of Western moral decay” and “corrupt Western garbage.” This move aligns with China’s zero-tolerance policy on pornography, which is illegal in the country, and its ongoing campaign to control digital narratives and promote state-approved values.centralnews.co.zalatestly.comlatestly.com

Although OnlyFans was never officially available in mainland China, some users accessed it through VPNs and third-party payment systems. The new restrictions close these loopholes, using advanced technologies like deep packet inspection to block traffic and monitor transactions. This affects an estimated 5,000 to 8,000 Chinese creators who relied on the platform for income, with top earners losing significant revenue, and over 120,000 subscribers losing access. Domestic alternatives like WeChat or Bilibili offer lower revenue potential and stricter moderation.theheritagetimes.comtheheritagetimes.comcentralnews.co.za

The ban is part of a larger crackdown on foreign platforms, including Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Reddit, under China’s Great Firewall, which enforces over 60 online restrictions to maintain cultural and social control. Public reactions are mixed: some on X praise the ban for combating “moral decay,” while others criticize it as restricting personal freedoms. However, one X post claims the ban’s news is exaggerated, noting that pornography laws already made OnlyFans inaccessible, though this view lacks corroboration.@WallStreetMav24hoursworlds.combullwaves.com

This action reflects China’s broader strategy to filter out “spiritual pollution” and regulate digital content, a trend also seen in restrictions on video games, imported films, and other media. Similar measures exist in countries like Russia and Indonesia, while debates over adult content platforms continue globally.