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In a move set to significantly reshape the landscape of online content creation, China has enacted new regulations requiring social media influencers to possess verified professional credentials before publishing content on certain sensitive subjects. The new rules, which took effect in October 2025, are a pronounced step by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) to combat misinformation and enhance the trustworthiness of online advice.
The Scope of the New Rule
The regulation specifically targets four key areas deemed to have a major impact on public welfare:
- Medicine (including health and supplements)
- Law
- Education
- Finance
Under the updated guidelines, any influencer—or “network anchor”—who wishes to discuss these regulated subjects must provide proof of expertise. This proof can be a recognized degree, a professional license, or a relevant certification. The requirement is intended to move the conversation from popularity-based advice to authoritative, evidence-based commentary.
Enforcement and Penalties
The responsibility for enforcing this rule falls primarily on the social media platforms themselves, including major domestic services like Douyin (China’s version of TikTok), Weibo, and Bilibili. These platforms are now mandated to:
- Verify the credentials of creators discussing regulated topics.
- Ensure the content includes proper citations and disclaimers.
- Educate users on their responsibilities when sharing content.
For creators who violate the new standards, the penalties are strict. While a common mention is a fine up to ¥100,000 (approximately $14,000), the threat of being permanently banned from the platform poses a far greater risk to their livelihoods. Additionally, the new law bans online advertising for medical products and supplements when covertly disguised as educational material.
Progress or Censorship? A Dual-Sided Debate
The legislation has sparked a sharp debate regarding its implications for the thriving Chinese creator economy.
- The Proponents: Officials and supporters argue the move is necessary to professionalize the sector and protect citizens from harmful, misleading, or fraudulent advice, particularly in areas like finance and health where unverified information can have real-world consequences. By establishing a baseline of authenticated knowledge, the government aims to foster a “clean and trustworthy online environment.”
- The Critics: Conversely, critics view the law as an extension of digital censorship. They contend that mandating formal degrees may unnecessarily narrow the scope of public debate and silence valuable independent voices who possess genuine, informal expertise or lived experience but lack formal qualifications. There is a palpable concern that the term “expertise” could be defined too narrowly, granting authorities greater power to suppress content that deviates from official narratives.
The new regulation marks an unusually prescriptive approach to influencer accountability, moving beyond simple disclosure requirements to mandating official qualifications. This policy is a clear signal of Beijing’s intent to bring more rigorous structure and oversight to an online space that has rapidly grown into a massive industry.
