Archive · 29 Oct 2025
China Requires Influencers to Have Degrees to Discuss Serious Topics
Imagine if only doctors were allowed to give advice about health on TV, and only lawyers could talk about legal problems.
China is making a similar rule for social media.
Starting soon, people who share information about important things like health, law, school, or money online need to prove they are experts.
This means they might need a special paper, like a degree or license.
The government says this will stop people from spreading fake news and keep everyone safer.
But some people worry that this rule could be used to stop people from sharing different ideas, making it harder for everyone to speak up.
Platforms that host these influencers will check their papers, and if they don't follow the rules, they could get fined.
There are also new rules about advertising health products online.
China mandates social media influencers to possess verified professional qualifications to discuss sensitive topics like medicine, law, education, and finance.
The new rule, effective October 25, requires proof of expertise such as degrees or certifications before content can be posted.
Platforms like Douyin, Weibo, and Bilibili are responsible for verifying influencer credentials.
The Cyberspace Administration of China aims to combat disinformation and enhance public safety with these regulations.
Concerns have been raised that the rule could be a form of censorship, limiting discourse to state-approved or qualified voices.
- Who
- China's Cyberspace Administration (CAC)
- What
- Implemented a new rule requiring social media influencers to hold verified professional qualifications before discussing sensitive topics like medicine, law, education, and finance online.
- When
- Effective October 25
- Where
- China
- Why
- To curb disinformation on social media, protect public safety, and ensure accountability for information shared on regulated topics.
Supporters of the Rule
Critics of the Rule
Ensuring Accuracy and Safety
Supporters of the Rule
Believe the regulations are a necessary step to curb disinformation, ensure public safety, and make social media more believable and safe.
Critics of the Rule
Fear the rule could limit expertise to only those with specific qualifications, potentially shaping public opinion and silencing dissenting voices.
Government Control vs. Accountability
Supporters of the Rule
View the rule as a measure to hold individuals accountable for the information they disseminate on sensitive topics.
Critics of the Rule
Worry the government could use the rule as a tool for censorship, controlling public discourse by restricting who can share opinions.
- Effective Date
- October 25
- Affected Topics
- Medicine, law, education, finance
- Required Proof of Expertise
- Degree, certification, or professional license
- Platforms Tasked with Verification
- Douyin, Weibo, Bilibili
- Maximum Fine for Platforms
- ¥100,000 ($14,000)
- New Advertising Regulations
- Prohibits undisclosed campaigns for medical products, supplements, and health foods; requires disclosure of study sources or AI generation.