Why Was AO3 (Archive of Our Own) Banned in China? Understanding the 2020 Censorship
Discover why AO3 was banned in China in 2020 due to content censorship involving politically sensitive and adult materials.
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AO3 (Archive of Our Own) got banned in China in February 2020, primarily due to the presence of content that the Chinese government considered inappropriate. This includes, but is not limited to, politically sensitive content, as well as adult and LGBTQ+ material. The ban reflects China's broader censorship practices, which aim to regulate the internet within its borders according to specific moral and political standards.
FAQs & Answers
- What is AO3 and why is it popular? AO3, or Archive of Our Own, is a nonprofit fanfiction website that allows users to publish and share fan-created stories across various fandoms, known for its wide-ranging and inclusive content.
- When and why was AO3 banned in China? AO3 was banned in China in February 2020 largely because it hosted content deemed politically sensitive and materials related to adult and LGBTQ+ themes, which conflicted with the Chinese government's internet censorship policies.
- How does China regulate internet content? China enforces strict internet censorship, filtering and blocking websites and content that do not align with its moral standards and political guidelines to control information flow within its borders.