China has enacted a fresh law concerning influencers. Effective from October 25, this regulation mandates that anyone producing content on delicate subjects—such as healthcare, law, education, or finance—must possess official credentials in those respective areas.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) states that the aim is to combat false information and safeguard the public from misleading or harmful guidance.According to the new regulations, influencers discussing controlled topics are required to provide evidence of their qualifications, including a degree, professional certification, or license.
Platforms such as Douyin (the Chinese equivalent of TikTok), Bilibili, and Weibo are obligated to authenticate creators’ qualifications and ensure that their content includes appropriate citations and disclaimers. For instance, influencers must explicitly state when their information is sourced from research studies or when a video features AI-generated content.
Additionally, platforms must instruct users regarding their responsibilities when disseminating content online.The CAC has taken it a step further by prohibiting advertisements for medical products, supplements, and health foods to avert concealed promotions masquerading as “educational” videos.
Nonetheless, critics caution that this law could stifle creativity and curtail freedom of expression. They argue that by regulating who can speak on particular subjects, China may not only eliminate misinformation but also suppress independent perspectives and critical discussions. Many express concern that “expertise” may be construed too narrowly, granting authorities greater capability to silence individuals who challenge official narratives or propose alternative viewpoints.
Conversely, others have embraced the initiative, claiming that the new law will foster well-informed discourse on pivotal and delicate subjects. Numerous individuals contend that only those who are professionals in their domains should engage in discussions of these topics to avert the spread of misinformation.