Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: Chinese regulators have introduced new rules barring social media influencers without college degrees or relevant professional credentials from posting commentary on specialized fields, including finance, medicine, law, and education, in a move aimed at curbing misinformation across online platforms.
Under the policy, major platforms such as Douyin, Weibo, and Bilibili are now legally required to verify and record the qualifications of content creators who provide guidance or analysis in these sectors. Platforms that fail to carry out verification checks could face fines of up to 100,000 yuan, according to the regulatory directive.
The guidelines have emerged amid growing concerns in China over influencers delivering authoritative-sounding advice in livestreams — often blending entertainment, product marketing, and personal opinion — without any verified expertise. Officials say the trend has contributed to misleading claims, financial risks, and health misinformation.
Analysts summarizing the policy shift noted the administration’s direct approach, framing it as: “Not Verified? Not Welcome.”
Industry observers say the measure marks a tightening of state oversight over China’s rapidly expanding livestreaming and short-video ecosystem, where influencers have gained outsized influence over consumer behavior and public discourse.
The directive particularly targets discussions involving investment decisions, medical treatments, legal interpretation, and academic tutoring, areas regulators believe could cause tangible harm if misrepresented.
While the government has framed the rules as consumer protection, critics say the policy may further limit independent voices and restrict public debate. They note that professional licensing in China is heavily regulated and closely tied to state-approved institutions.
Social media platforms in China have already begun sending notices to creators requesting their education certificates, professional licenses, or employer verification. Some online personalities have paused content or shifted toward general entertainment to avoid compliance risks.
The enforcement phase is expected to continue in coming weeks, with regulators warning of “zero tolerance” for violations.
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