Do not distribute pornographic material in groups, sell access, or run distribution groups
The cited Chinese provisions target distribution and related conduct; they do not create a general penalty for privately viewing adult material. Sending a file to a group distributes it to the group. Administrative detention can reach ten to 15 days, with a possible fine up to RMB 5,000, and serious distribution can carry up to two years. Distribution for profit can carry much heavier sentences. A group mainly used for distributing obscene electronic material can meet criminal criteria at 30 members under the cited interpretation.
What it takes
Nothing. Do not forward the material, put it in group files, or become the owner or administrator of a group built around distributing it.
What you may gain
Online dissemination of obscene information can bring ten to 15 days’ detention and an optional fine up to RMB 5,000. Lesser cases carry up to five days or a RMB 1,000–3,000 fine. Material involving minors attracts heavier treatment. Serious distribution of obscene materials carries up to two years; production, sale, or dissemination for profit carries up to three years and a fine, three to ten years for serious circumstances, and at least ten years or life for especially serious circumstances. Under the 2010 interpretation, a group principally used to distribute obscene electronic information with at least 30 members, or causing serious consequences, can result in criminal liability for its creator, administrators, and main distributors.
Context & considerations
Private viewing of adult material is distinct from the dissemination conduct covered by these provisions. A single group post can constitute dissemination to the whole group. Other numerical thresholds for “serious circumstances” are set by judicial interpretation and were not verified in this entry.
Research & references
Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (2025). Revised Public Security Administration Punishments Law, Article 80. https://www.spp.gov.cn/spp/fl/202506/t20250627_699863.shtml; National People’s Congress (2020). Criminal Law consolidated through Amendment XI, Articles 363 and 364. https://jtgl.beijing.gov.cn/jgj/jgxx/flfg/fl/11033925/index.html; Supreme People’s Court and Supreme People’s Procuratorate (2010). Interpretation II on obscene electronic information distributed through the internet, mobile terminals, and voice services, Article 3. https://www.spp.gov.cn/zdgz/201002/t20100204_25001.shtml.