From October 25, 2025, China’s internet regulator, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), began requiring social-media influencers who comment on fields like medicine, law, education or finance to show proof that they’re qualified — such as a degree, licence or professional certification.
Top Chinese social media platforms including Douyin, Bilibili and Weibo must now verify these credentials and attach visible “source” or disclaimer labels, especially for content that uses AI or dramatisation.
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Beijing says this aims to curb misinformation, particularly when influencers are treated as de-facto experts by huge audiences. Critics, meanwhile, argue that the move could shrink space for independent voices and blur the line between legitimate regulation and heavy-handed speech control.
WHY INDIA SHOULD WATCH
Much like in China, social media in India is a mass medium — YouTube, Instagram and short-video apps reach tens of crores daily.
Creators regularly give guidance on f
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