China has introduced a groundbreaking new law that directly impacts how social media influencers operate—particularly those who create content in sensitive fields such as medicine, law, education, and finance.
Under this regulation, influencers must possess official degrees, certifications, or licenses if they wish to speak publicly on these specialized topics. The goal is to combat misinformation and enhance the credibility of online content consumed by millions.
Additionally, content creators are now required to clarify whether their posts are backed by official documents or peer-reviewed research. If a video or image contains elements generated by artificial intelligence (AI), this must be clearly disclosed to viewers. The law aims to improve transparency and accountability across digital platforms, especially in the age of AI-driven media.
The announcement of the regulation sparked widespread online reactions, not just in China but internationally as well. Korean netizens in particular praised the move, with many expressing hope that South Korea will soon adopt similar measures. Comments such as “We seriously need this…” and “Why is China the only one doing this?” reflected both admiration and a sense of urgency to see comparable regulations enacted elsewhere.
Users emphasized how crucial such laws are in an era where anyone can post information that appears authoritative, even without the proper background or understanding. “We need a disclaimer for all AI-related content,” one user stated, while another added, “This should be the global standard.”
The sentiment was overwhelmingly positive, with responses like “So useful,” “Let us adopt it too,” and “Wow, China did something right this time,” reflecting approval from diverse communities online.
As influencer culture continues to shape public opinion and decision-making, this move by China may set a precedent for future legislation in other countries—especially as AI continues to blur the lines between real and synthetic content.
Sources: pannchoa