Misinformation is difficult to decipher in this day and age of social media. In China, the internet regulator announced that it is continuing to enforce laws that prohibit social media influencers from sharing financial, medical, legal and educational advice on social media unless they have professional credentials to back up their content.
China's social media platforms such as Bilibili, Doyin (China's TikTok) and Weibo must follow new rules set by the Cyberspace Administration of China on Saturday.
Creators will have to share research to back up their information and reveal whether they used AI to create any of their content.
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The CAC also prohibits advertisements for dietary supplements and health care services, as well as similar publications that constitute educational content to sell a product. Before this ruling, China announced a two-month campaign exclude pessimistic, hostile or violent content.
China has been criticized for trying to control online content and public opinion. But it wouldn't be the first country to enforce laws regarding social media policies.
Spain implemented its own influencer law in 2024, which requires influencers on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok to earn more than €300,000 in order to be transparent about brand partnerships and sponsorships. Influencers must also comply with copyright laws and restrictions on targeting minors with content related to tobacco, alcohol, and medications.
A study conducted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization found that only 36.9% of influencers agree that content what they share is true before publishing.
This is especially alarming because in 2025… Pew Research Center Report found that one in five young American adults get their news through TikTok.
A UNESCO spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
