China introduces new law requiring social-media influencers to hold formal credentials for advice content

01 November 2025

From October 25, 2025, Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) enforced a landmark regulation that compels influencers on major platforms in China to present verified credentials such as recognized degrees, professional licences or certifications if they share viewpoints or advice on topics like health, education, law or finance. The rule also demands platforms like Douyin (TikTok’s Chinese equivalent), Bilibili and Weibo verify those credentials and clearly label content that uses AI-generated or dramatized elements.

The policy is aimed at curbing the rising tide of unverified advice that circulates widely across social media, from health influencers promoting miracle cures to “finfluencers” offering investment tips without formal training. In India for example, a cited study found that 63% of influencers dispensing investment advice fail to disclose sponsorships and only 2% are registered with the regulator.

The article explores the possibility of a similar regulatory framework in India, noting both potential benefits such as improved accountability and consumer protection and key challenges. A credential-based model could raise the quality of guidance in sensitive areas and build trust, but risks stifling creator-economy innovation, limiting access for non-traditional talent and imposing enforcement burdens.

Indian stakeholders are urged to consider a tiered approach: perhaps applying stricter verification only for high-impact domains (health, law, finance, education) and relying on disclosure or tagging rather than blanket credential requirements. A voluntary registry, transparent disclaimers and platform labelling of sponsored or AI-curated content could be part of that path.

The piece underscores that wholesale adoption of China’s model would not be practical in India, given the scale of its creator ecosystem, questions around freedom of expression and difficulties in verifying credentials at these volumes.