China Regulates Content Creation To Curb Online Misinformation

News reports recently announced that China has passed a new regulation requiring influencers to hold a relevant degree in the topics they discuss. The law, which came into effect on October 25, prevents influencers from commenting on sensitive subjects such as medicine, law, education, or finance without official qualifications.

The regulation aims to curb online misinformation and protect users from misleading advice or recipes. In addition, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has banned advertising for medical products and services. According to media reports, influencers will now have to prove their official qualifications before producing content on these sensitive topics, such as presenting a degree, professional license, or certification in the respective field.

The CAC stated that this rule was introduced to protect users from harmful and deceptive content circulating online. Platforms including Bilibili, Weibo, and Douyin (China’s version of TikTok) will also be required to verify the credentials of creators and ensure that shared content provides accurate and credible information.

Based on the new regulation, when uploading videos or posts, content creators must clearly indicate if their material includes AI-generated elements or references to research studies, while users are reminded to remain responsible when sharing content online.

The Regulation Sparks Debate Over Creativity and Free Speech

The new regulation has already sparked debate online, with many expressing concern that it could stifle creativity and limit freedom of speech. Critics argue that by controlling who can speak about certain topics, China might not only combat misinformation but also restrict independent voices and suppress critical and balanced public debate.

Some users worry that the requirement to provide proof of expertise might be interpreted too strictly, giving authorities greater control over public discourse and potentially silencing individuals who question official narratives or share alternative opinions.

On the other hand, some citizens have welcomed the regulation, saying it will improve the quality of online content on sensitive topics. They claim that only qualified professionals should discuss these subjects to prevent misinformation, especially as influencers with millions of followers now play a major role in shaping opinions and generating significant revenue through content creation and brand advertising.

China Launches Additional Measures To Regulate Online Content

A month before introducing the new influencer regulation, China’s internet regulator announced a two-month campaign to crack down on online content promoting violence, hostility, or negative sentiment in Chinese society.

This campaign followed recent disciplinary actions against several major platforms, including the short-video app Kuaishou, microblogging site Weibo, and Instagram-like Xiaohongshu (RedNote), for multiple content violations. The move also came amid growing concerns over increasing negativity and persistent unemployment.

According to the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), authorities will conduct comprehensive inspections of trending topics, content recommendations, and comment sections across social media platforms. Posts considered problematic include those that incite fan group clashes or teach and sell doxxing techniques.

The initiative also targets fabricated information, rumors about the economy, distorted portrayals of incidents, and “sensational conspiracy theories.”

As reported by Reuters, the CAC said that posts promoting pessimism or negativity, or those that exaggerate isolated negative cases and encourage bleak outlooks on life, will also be subject to the measures.

While Western platforms also enforce rules on user behavior, China’s online control is seen as far more extensive. It is worth noting that these measures were announced just one day after police arrested three individuals accused of spreading false rumors about the death of a popular actor. Authorities said the celebrity “fell to his death after drinking,” while the suspects allegedly fabricated information and edited fake videos to attract attention. According to the police, such actions “seriously disrupted public order.”

Can Other Countries Adopt China’s Model?

Beijing’s approach to regulating online content reflects a growing global challenge, which we can highlight with the following question: how can we effectively combat misinformation without undermining freedom of speech?

In theory, requiring influencers to hold verified qualifications and monitoring content for accuracy could make users more mindful of what they share or comment on online. This move may help reduce the spread of false, misleading, or harmful information, particularly related to sensitive topics like health, where countless influencers share homemade “remedies” or “recipes” for illnesses, as we witnessed during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, such unverified advice circulated widely, sometimes leading to harmful or even fatal outcomes for users who tried it.

Given that many of these content creators or “influencers” have massive audiences, including children and teenagers who see them as role models and often try to imitate their lifestyles or behavior, holding these creators accountable for the accuracy of what they share could elevate content standards and protect vulnerable groups from deceptive narratives or misinformation.

However, this approach also raises important concerns about freedom of expression, transparency, and government control. In many countries, including some in the Arab region, similar measures might appear effective or modern in response to the growing problem of misinformation and online information manipulation. The real challenge, however, is finding the right balance that ensures accuracy and accountability without censorship or restrictions on public debate.

A notable example is Morocco’s Law 22.20 on the use of social media, which sparked widespread controversy and was labeled by many as a “gag law.” The draft legislation, leaked during the COVID-19 lockdown, contained provisions addressing cybercrimes such as spreading fake news, threatening public security, or violating honor. However, it also included articles that were perceived by users as attempts to punish social media users who called for boycotts of certain companies “accused of corruption.” These users could face fines or imprisonment, fueling accusations that the law aimed to retaliate against online dissent rather than protect citizens from misinformation.

According to media reports, the leaked version of the law was only a preliminary draft and was never formally presented to the government for approval. The Moroccan government decided to postpone its consideration after facing widespread public criticism.

Ultimately, instead of replicating China’s tightly controlled model, Arab governments could start by developing adapted frameworks that promote media literacy, independent fact-checking, and transparency. Such an approach would empower users to critically evaluate online content while still preserving freedom of speech and maintaining an open and balanced digital environment.

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