Written By Lexx Thornton
China’s Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has enacted a new law requiring social media influencers to possess verified professional qualifications before posting content on sensitive subjects like medicine, law, education, and finance.Â
The regulation, which took effect on Saturday, aims to combat online misinformation and fraud. Influencers must now prove their expertise with recognized degrees, certifications, or licenses before discussing these regulated topics. Â
Major platforms such as Douyin (TikTok), Bilibili, and Weibo are now responsible for:Â
- Verifying influencer credentials.Â
- Ensuring content includes clear citations, disclaimers, and source transparency.Â
The new law also bans online advertising for medical services, supplements, and health foods—often disguised as educational material—and mandates platforms strengthen oversight to prevent false claims. The CAC stated the goal is to build a “clean and trustworthy online environment” and ensure “professional knowledge is shared by qualified individuals.”Â
This move signals Beijing’s increasing focus on the role of influencers in shaping public opinion. While digital policy observers view it as a landmark effort to formalize influencer activity, others argue it could potentially silence voices that challenge authority, sparking a global debate on how to fight disinformation without restricting legitimate speech.Â
