China bans influencers from speaking on ‘serious’ topics like finance or health without university degree

China has imposed a ban preventing online influencers from creating content about topics relating to finance, health and law without a relevant university degree.

According to CNBC, the new laws also require social media platforms like Douyin, Bilibili and Weibo to verify the credentials of creators who comment on such "sensitive" topics, of which expertise can be proven through a degree, license or certification in a certain field.

Advertisements on medical products, supplements and health foods have also been limited, due to a concern that such foods may be promoted under the guise of educational content.

Content creators will also need to include proper citations and disclaimers for such posts, including by declaring any AI-generated material.

Those who fail to do so may face a fine of up to 100,000 yuan (S$18,265).

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The rule, which took effect on Oct. 25, is intended to clamp down on harmful and misleading information online, the Cyberspace Administration of China said.

It has generated significant debate over what some perceived as a new form of digital censorship by limiting public conversation of certain subjects.

Others, meanwhile, have expressed their support for the law, saying that it can bring greater credibility to online discussions.

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