BEIJING: China has stepped up regulation of its fast-growing influencer industry by requiring live streamers discussing professional subjects, such as medicine, finance, law, and education, to hold verified credentials.
The National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism reaffirmed that online anchors engaging in such specialised content must obtain relevant practising qualifications, not merely rely on popularity.
The rule, first outlined in the 2022 Code of Conduct for Online Anchors, has now been reinforced through updated professional standards introduced in 2025 by the China Performance Industry Association.
The new guideline defines “network anchor” as a recognised occupation in China and sets skill levels and capacity requirements for those working in livestreaming and short-video platforms.
Officials said the move aims to professionalise the sector, protect audiences from misinformation, and align online performance work with the country’s broader digital governance framework.
While the regulations specify “appropriate qualifications”, they stop short of mandating university degrees, instead requiring licences, certifications or other verified expertise relevant to the content discussed.
Industry observers note that the shift signals Beijing’s growing intent to bring structure and accountability to a once-loosely regulated online space that now employs millions of creators nationwide.
