Official strengthening of online religious activities in China: new regulation and ban on internet preaching
The National Administration of Religious Affairs of China has published, on September 15 and 16, 2025, a new digital code of conduct strictly strengthening the ban on online preaching, including on social networks and during all digital activities, for all religious leaders – priests, pastors, monks or all assimilated staff – in the country.
This decision is part of the continuity of the policies of sinization of the religious and increased control over the digital sphere, initiated by the Chinese authorities in recent years.
The origin of this regulation lies in the progressive intensification of the Chinese legislative system aimed at containing and supervising the dissemination of any information or religious training in the territory. For several years, Beijing had already limited online broadcasts without official license; The official publication during the second half of September 2025 now confirms a complete and immediate ban, applying to all cults combined – whether they are provided by recognized institutions, independent churches or foreign organizations active on Chinese soil.
In detail, the legislative text adopted, entitled “Rules of online behavior of religious personnel”, has 18 articles prohibiting any dissemination of sermons, video lives, messages, digital pensions or training, as well as the use of generative artificial intelligence for proselytizing purposes. It is also forbidden to organize or animate, via networks, spiritual groups, prayer meetings or collection of donations outside the authorized executives.
The supervision relates to the whole territory, including Macao, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and also targets the diaspora using Chinese or foreign platforms. Any transgression exposes to immediate administrative sanctions: closure of online accounts, license withdrawal and prosecution.
This measure aims, according to the authorities, to “stabilize society”, “prevent digital religious extremism” and strengthen the centralized management of the religious dimension on the Internet. The application has already led to the deletion or inaccessibility of many WeChat, Douyin or Christian forums. The text also concerns the prohibition of online educational religious activities with minors and the use of AI for the dissemination of spiritual lessons.
The significant facts of this regulation are its simultaneous dissemination in the national and international press from September 16, 2025, the official publication on government platforms and the immediate reaction of NGOs and associations for the defense of religious freedom.
Article 2: “Religious staff must request a specific authorization for the use of the Internet for religious purposes. It is forbidden to organize sermons, lessons, pensions or online training, including via live broadcasting, short videos, Internet groups or any digital platform, without express license of the State. »»
Article 8: “The use of generative artificial intelligence to disseminate religious content or convert people is explicitly prohibited. »»
