China has introduced strict new regulations for online influencers.
Under the new rules, content creators must possess a relevant university degree or professional certification before they can discuss specialized topics such as medicine, finance, education, law, or health. The policy, issued by the Cyberspace Administration of China, aims to curb misinformation and raise the overall quality of online content.
Influencers wishing to cover these subjects on platforms like Douyin, Weibo, and Bilibili are now required to submit proof of their qualifications. Platforms are responsible for verifying credentials and removing any non-compliant content.
Violators face significant penalties, including fines of up to 100,000 yuan (approximately $14,000), account suspension, or permanent bans.
While supporters view the measure as a necessary step to protect the public from misleading or harmful advice, critics argue that it could restrict free expression and limit diverse voices online.
The regulation reflects China’s broader effort to tighten control over digital content and establish higher standards of credibility in the influencer economy.