

[File photo]
Chinese authorities on Monday called for a thorough investigation into the country’s major video platforms after a large number of cartoon adaptations targeting young kids with sexual or violent content have caused an online uproar among the public.
According to an announcement released by Beijing Cultural Market Law Enforcement Division (CMLE) on Monday, a large number of supposedly child-friendly videos which contain themes inappropriate for kids have been prevailing on China’s video platforms. In order to capture search results and attract attention from young viewers, the titles and descriptions usually feature the names of famous animated characters such “Elsa” from Disney’s Frozen, as well as keywords including “Learn English” and “children videos.”
The videos, which are known for presenting content such as violence, fetishes, and toilet humor, can be found on all major Chinese video platforms. A search for “Elsa Surgery” on Tencent Video yields over 20 results, with the famous cartoon character being tied on a bed, while a doctor-like character cracks open her skull. Despite the disturbing nature of these videos, many have attracted tens of thousands of views.
CMLE, along with China’s Office of the National Work Group for “Combating Pornography and Illegal Publications,” have already ordered the country’s video platforms to carry out a thorough inspection into all online art creations involving children, such as clay animation, video games, and child play. Sensitive keywords such as “child cult film” and “Elsa got pregnant” should be banned from all research engines.

[File photo]
As of press time, most of the videos mentioned above have already been removed from China’s major video platforms and forums.
“While the behavioral effects of these videos are not currently understood scientifically, there is no doubt that such violent content, especially when disguised as cartoons, will have a bad influence on young viewers who don’t have strong sense of right or wrong,” Chen Sichen, a Beijing-based child behavioral psychologist, told People’s Daily Online.
This is not the first time that violent cartoon adaptions have caused uproar among parents and scholars. In 2017, YouTube started to mass delete channels and videos falling into the “Elsagate” category, a neologism referring to the violent adaption of famous cartoons, after furious public and media outlets demanded the video platform ensure online child security.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses