China has introduced a new measure to combat misinformation, requiring influencers sharing information on sensitive topics to hold a degree in that area.

The rule, which came into effect on 25 October under the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), is reportedly aimed at reducing online misinformation and protecting social media users from potentially harmful advice or guidance.

Influencers discussing subjects such as medicine, law, education, or finance must provide proof of their expertise, whether through a professional licence or degree. Platforms including Douyin (China’s version of TikTok), Bilibili, and Weibo are tasked with verifying these credentials.

The CAC has also banned advertising for medical products and services, such as health foods and supplements, in an effort to curb promotions disguised as educational content.

So you’re saying I can’t continue promoting dick pills that might cause people’s organs to boil? alex-no-supplements

  • alexei_1917 [mirror/your pronouns]@hexbear.net
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    1 day ago

    Yep. “Free speech” isn’t worth much if it means any idiot can open his mouth and spout bigotry and no one’s allowed to do anything about it besides try to talk over him with ideals of community and caring, and individualism held up as a core ideal of a society does nothing but destroy community.