Beijing, China – Chinese authorities are tightening regulations on social media content creators, requiring professional qualifications for those publishing in specific fields. The new rules target the spread of misinformation in areas like finance, medicine, law, and education.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the country’s internet regulator, announced the measures, placing responsibility on platforms like Bilibili, Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok), and Weibo to enforce the new guidelines.
Content creators will now be required to provide supporting research for their posts and disclose whether artificial intelligence was used in content creation. The CAC also prohibits advertising for nutritional supplements and medical services disguised as educational content.
DZWatch has learned that this move follows a recent two-month campaign aimed at eliminating pessimistic, hostile, and violent content online. The government expressed concerns about the increasing reliance on social media for information, particularly among younger demographics.
A UNESCO study previously indicated that only 36.9% of influencers verify the accuracy of the content they share, raising significant concerns about the potential for misinformation. A recent Pew Research Center report also highlighted that a significant portion of young Americans now get their news from TikTok.
These regulations mark a significant shift in China’s approach to online content, with a clear focus on ensuring accuracy and accountability in specialized fields. The impact of these measures on the broader online landscape remains to be seen.
