China’s top internet regulator, the Cyberspace Administration of China, has introduced strict new rules that limit what online influencers can post about sensitive and professional subjects.
Under the new regulations, individuals must have proper qualifications—such as a relevant degree, license, or official certification—before they can create content related to areas like medicine, finance, education, or law. The move aims to control misinformation and ensure that only verified experts share information on critical topics.
Major social media platforms, including Douyin (China’s version of TikTok), Weibo, and Bilibili, are now required to check and confirm the credentials of content creators before their posts are published. These platforms must also ensure that any data or studies mentioned in content are clearly cited, while posts created using artificial intelligence must be properly labeled.
Authorities have warned that violations of these rules will lead to strict penalties. Offenders could face fines of up to 100,000 yuan (around $14,000), along with account suspension or even permanent removal from the platform.
