Not a good day to be an influencer in China and share advice on finance, health, education or law, without having a degree in China.
Chinese authorities have introduced new rules requiring anyone talking about professional fields on social media to prove their qualifications before publishing content.
According to the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), influencers must have a university degree, formal training, or verified expertise before giving advice related to medicine, finance, education, or law.
The goal, according to authorities, is to stop the spread of misinformation and ensure that online professional advice comes from trusted sources.
But not everyone sees this as a positive step. Digital analysts warn that the new rules could limit independent voices and strengthen state control over public discussion online, especially at a time when social networks have become an alternative source of information.
Platforms like Douyin, Weibo, and Bilibili will now be responsible for verifying creators' accounts. Those who don't follow the rules risk profile suspension, permanent closure, or even fines of up to 100,000 yuan (about $14,000).
This decision is part of Beijing's broader effort to "clean up" content on the network and ensure "healthy and orderly" communication, as the Chinese government defines it.
