On December 3, China’s top cyberspace regulator disclosed a list of online influencers penalized for violations ranging from tax evasion to content that “stirs group confrontation,” according to China Daily.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) instructed major online platforms to take action against accounts involved in illegal or irregular activities. Several influencers with millions of followers had their Weibo and Douyin accounts closed or placed under long-term suspension.
Authorities penalized influencers for repeatedly promoting materialism, flaunting wealth and other undesirable values, China Daily reports. An internet celebrity faced punishment for promoting overseas pornographic films on Weibo.
Prominent livestreamer Zhang Xuefeng, known for offering advice on college selection, received a time-limited ban for “using vulgar language extensively” during broadcasts.
Following tax authorities’ findings on tax evasion cases involving online streamers, two influencer accounts on Douyin and Kuaishou had their livestreaming and e-commerce functions suspended, according to the CAC.
Regulatory Context
The enforcement comes as part of China’s broader content regulation efforts. The CAC stressed that influencer accounts possess significant public influence and visibility, and their operators “must exercise greater self-discipline in regulating their online conduct.”
In late September, the CAC launched a two-month campaign targeting content that “incites excessively pessimistic sentiment” or “panic” and promotes defeatist ideas such as “hard work is useless,” according to The New York Times.
The New York Times reported that Weibo suspended more than 1,200 accounts for “spreading rumors” about the economy and government welfare programs. In Zhengzhou, officials investigated social media accounts for portraying the city negatively, while Xi’an suspended five accounts for “spreading false information” about housing prices.
Professional Credential Requirements
China implemented new regulations on October 25 requiring influencers discussing professional topics to hold formal qualifications in those fields. Content creators addressing medicine, law, education, or finance must provide proof of expertise through degrees, certifications, or professional credentials.
Platforms including Douyin, Bilibili, and Weibo must now verify influencer credentials and ensure content includes proper citations and disclaimers. Creators must clearly state when information comes from studies or includes AI-generated elements.
The CAC has also banned advertising for medical services and products, including supplements and health foods, and has targeted covert promotions disguised as educational content.
Karina loves writing about the influencer marketing space and an area she is passionate about. She considers her faith and family to be most important to her. If she isn’t spending time with her friends and family, you can almost always find her around her sweet pug, Poshna.
On December 3, China’s top cyberspace regulator disclosed a list of online influencers penalized for violations ranging from tax evasion to content that “stirs group confrontation,” according to China Daily.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) instructed major online platforms to take action against accounts involved in illegal or irregular activities. Several influencers with millions of followers had their Weibo and Douyin accounts closed or placed under long-term suspension.
Authorities penalized influencers for repeatedly promoting materialism, flaunting wealth and other undesirable values, China Daily reports. An internet celebrity faced punishment for promoting overseas pornographic films on Weibo.
Prominent livestreamer Zhang Xuefeng, known for offering advice on college selection, received a time-limited ban for “using vulgar language extensively” during broadcasts.
Following tax authorities’ findings on tax evasion cases involving online streamers, two influencer accounts on Douyin and Kuaishou had their livestreaming and e-commerce functions suspended, according to the CAC.
Regulatory Context
The enforcement comes as part of China’s broader content regulation efforts. The CAC stressed that influencer accounts possess significant public influence and visibility, and their operators “must exercise greater self-discipline in regulating their online conduct.”
In late September, the CAC launched a two-month campaign targeting content that “incites excessively pessimistic sentiment” or “panic” and promotes defeatist ideas such as “hard work is useless,” according to The New York Times.
The New York Times reported that Weibo suspended more than 1,200 accounts for “spreading rumors” about the economy and government welfare programs. In Zhengzhou, officials investigated social media accounts for portraying the city negatively, while Xi’an suspended five accounts for “spreading false information” about housing prices.
Professional Credential Requirements
China implemented new regulations on October 25 requiring influencers discussing professional topics to hold formal qualifications in those fields. Content creators addressing medicine, law, education, or finance must provide proof of expertise through degrees, certifications, or professional credentials.
Platforms including Douyin, Bilibili, and Weibo must now verify influencer credentials and ensure content includes proper citations and disclaimers. Creators must clearly state when information comes from studies or includes AI-generated elements.
The CAC has also banned advertising for medical services and products, including supplements and health foods, and has targeted covert promotions disguised as educational content.
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