China’s new regulations, effective October 25, mandate that influencers discussing sensitive topics—including medicine, law, education, and finance—must possess official qualifications in those areas.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) stated that the law aims to combat misinformation and protect the public from inaccurate or harmful advice.
Under the new rules, content creators addressing regulated subjects must provide proof of expertise, such as a degree, professional license, or certificate.
Platforms like Douyin (China’s TikTok), Bilibili, and Weibo are required to verify creators’ credentials and ensure that content includes citations and disclaimers. Influencers must indicate when information is sourced from studies or when a video contains AI-generated material, while platforms must also educate users on their responsibilities when sharing content online.
The CAC has also banned advertising for medical products, supplements, and health foods to prevent hidden promotions disguised as educational content.
Critics argue that the law could stifle creativity and limit freedom of expression, as restricting who can discuss certain topics may suppress independent voices and critical debate. Concerns have been raised that a narrow definition of “expertise” could give authorities greater control over dissenting opinions.
Supporters, however, welcome the move, saying it will ensure accurate, well-informed content on important subjects. They argue that only professionals should speak on specialized topics to prevent the spread of misinformation.
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