China has introduced a strict new law that targets influencers who present themselves as experts without proper academic qualifications. Under the new rules, creators who offer advice in fields such as finance, medicine, law, psychology, or engineering must now hold a verified university degree in the relevant specialty. Those who ignore this requirement face fines of up to ¥100,000. Because online misinformation continues to rise, regulators argue that stronger control is needed to protect users from inaccurate or harmful expert-style content. Influencers now face a major shift in how they create, verify, and distribute information online.
China Sets New Standards to Reduce Online Misinformation
Regulators say the law is meant to reduce unreliable commentary across China’s rapidly growing digital space. Many creators share health tips, legal explanations, or investment advice without formal training. This creates confusion and exposes viewers to serious risks. Authorities want to ensure that users receive accurate information from trained specialists rather than self-taught influencers. As a result, influencers must now upload official proof of their degrees before posting expert-level videos or streams. Platforms must check these documents, confirm their authenticity, and block creators who fail to meet the new rules.
Platforms Must Strengthen Verification Systems
The law also places greater responsibility on social media companies. Platforms such as Douyin, Weibo, Bilibili, and Xiaohongshu must review academic records and monitor expert content more closely. They must take action quickly if creators break the rules. If they allow unqualified influencers to promote expert content, regulators may impose penalties on the platforms themselves. Because misinformation spreads fast through short videos and livestreams, China wants companies to take stronger roles in filtering unreliable advice and protecting viewers.
Influencers Fear Loss of Income and Fewer Creative Options
The new law has created tension across China’s influencer community. Many creators built careers around explaining complex topics in simple language, even though they lacked formal credentials. Now they must either change their content or face financial penalties. Some influencers say the rule will limit creativity. Others fear that their income will drop because expert commentary attracts views and brand deals. Lifestyle, entertainment, travel, food, and fashion creators are safe. However, creators who discuss money, health, politics, legal rights, or education must now adjust how they communicate with their audiences.
Supporters Believe the Law Improves Public Safety
Although many influencers dislike the rule, supporters say the law is necessary. They argue that fake medical tips, risky investment advice, and incorrect legal claims can harm millions of users. China wants to reduce these risks and promote more reliable expert voices. Supporters also believe the law will encourage real doctors, lawyers, and engineers to join online platforms and share trusted information. This could make China’s digital education space more accurate and more professional.
Critics Warn the Law May Limit Free Expression
Some critics believe the law goes too far. They argue that a formal degree does not always define expertise. Many innovators, researchers, and skilled workers gain their knowledge through experience rather than university education. These people may lose their ability to teach online even though they have real-world skills. Critics also say the definition of “expert talk” is unclear. A creator discussing basic financial habits may not need a finance degree, yet the platform might still restrict the content to avoid penalties. This uncertainty raises concerns about excessive censorship and reduced access to simplified explanations for the public.
China’s Wider Crackdown on Influencer Culture
The new rule fits into a larger pattern of digital control. China has tightened rules on celebrity culture, online spending, tax evasion, and livestream promotions. The government wants a cleaner, more disciplined online environment that promotes responsible behavior. Influencers in China already follow strict rules on advertising, personal income reporting, and public conduct. With this new law, Beijing is expanding control into online education, advice, and expert commentary.
A Major Shift in China’s Digital Information Landscape
The new “no degree, no expert talk” rule reshapes the future of social media in China. Influencers must rethink how they present information, and platforms must enforce stronger identity checks. This will change how users receive expert content and how creators grow their digital brands.
Although the law aims to protect the public, its long-term impact on creativity, free expression, and professional opportunities will continue to spark debate. China’s digital space is entering a new era where verified expertise, tighter monitoring, and stronger regulation shape the flow of online knowledge.
