In a move that could reshape online content creation, China has introduced a new rule requiring influencers to have official qualifications before discussing “sensitive” subjects such as medicine, law, education, or finance online.

The new influencer law, which came into effect on October 25, mandates that creators must show proof of their expertise — such as a degree, professional license, or certification — if they wish to post about regulated topics, Morocco News reported.

According to the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the regulation aims to curb misinformation and protect the public from false or misleading advice. Platforms like Douyin (China’s version of TikTok), Bilibili, and Weibo will now be responsible for verifying creators’ credentials and ensuring that posts include proper citations and disclaimers.

For instance, creators must clearly state when information is sourced from studies or when their videos use AI-generated content. The CAC has also banned advertising for medical products, supplements, and health foods, to prevent covert promotions disguised as “educational” content.

Push For Authenticity — Or Control?

While officials say the new rule is about building trust and ensuring accuracy, many critics view it as a new form of digital censorship. By limiting who can discuss certain subjects, they warn, the government might be silencing independent voices and narrowing the scope of public debate.

Experts also point out that the definition of “expertise” remains vague and subjective, giving authorities greater power to decide who gets to speak online.

A Global Question Of Credibility

The debate comes at a time when influencer-driven information has become a powerful alternative to traditional experts. From health advice to financial coaching, creators often earn followers by appearing relatable and trustworthy — even without formal qualifications.

However, the downside is clear: misinformation spreads quickly when complex topics are oversimplified or misrepresented online.

Some Chinese users have welcomed the law, saying it could bring more credibility to online discussions. “It’s about time people with actual expertise led the conversation,” one Weibo user commented.

But others fear it could stifle creativity and limit open discussion, turning social media from a space of free exchange into one of state-controlled expertise. (Mint)

The post No degree, No mic: China silences unqualified influencers appeared first on Newswire.

A 34-year-old Australian social media influencer has been accused of torturing her baby daughter and taking photos of her in “immense distress and pain” to elicit donations.

She is also accused of defrauding donors of $60,000 via GoFundMe. 

The Queensland mother was arrested at Logan, south of Brisbane, on Thursday and charged with administering poison with intent to harm, making child exploitation material and fraud. 

She was also charged with preparation to commit crimes with dangerous things. 

Police will allege the child would have become “gravely ill” and could have died if she had stayed in the accused’s care.

Detective Inspector Dalton said the child was now “going well”.

‘Immense pain and distress’

Police allege between August 6 and October 15 last year, the woman gave medicine to her one-year-old daughter without medical approval.

They allege the woman disregarded medical advice and “went to lengths to obtain unauthorised medicines”, which included old medications prescribed to another person in the home.

It’s alleged the woman took photos and videos of her child in “immense pain and distress” to “entice monetary donations and online followers”. 

Detective Inspector Dalton said police would allege the woman defrauded donors of $60,000. 

“We’ve been dealing with GoFundMe and I understand through my investigators that they are making attempts to repay that money to the people … who donated that money,” he said.

Child suffered ‘medical episode’

Detective Inspector Dalton said the child was initially in hospital for a “genuine, serious health reason”. 

“I think it’s important to note that the hospital staff must be extremely distressed and anxious about what happened here, and they’ve done nothing wrong at all,” he said.

“We’ll be alleging the person has done what she’s done in defiance of medical opinion.”

Police allege the woman “carefully concealed” what she was doing, until it was reported to police in October last year by medical staff at a hospital in Brisbane’s south, where the child was being treated. 

Detective Inspector Dalton said the child had suffered a “medical episode”. 

Detective Inspector Dalton said police took “immediate action” after the hospital staff reported their concern for the child. 

He said “a lot” of other people had been investigated but “the only evidence that we can establish to the satisfaction of the court is the lady we’ve charged”. 

It will be alleged tests for unauthorised medicines returned a positive result on January 7.

A GoFundMe spokesperson said the company had been in “close contact” with police during the investigation. 

“Proactive refunds are being issued to all donors as part of our ongoing commitment to protecting Australian generosity,” they said. 

The woman is due to face Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday. (ABC)

The post Australian influencer charged with poisoning baby for donations appeared first on Newswire.

Sri Lankan social media influencers, Anushki and Kanushki Premachandra have initiated legal action against the sharing of an AI-generated video linked to them.

The two women visited the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to file a complaint in this regard.

Speaking to the Media, Anushki and Kanushki Premachandra revealed that an AI-generated video linked to them has been making rounds on social media since last night.

“An AI-generated video about us is being circulated on social media. Previously too such a video was shared. This has been continuously happening and is being done by one particular group,” they said. 

Anushki and Kanushki Premachandra said the CID has initiated action to arrest those behind the sharing of the video, while action is also to be taken against other individuals who are sharing the video on various social media platforms. 

Breaking down in tears, the duo said that they were forced to initiate legal action as they were facing severe harassment, urging the public to refrain from attacking women in such a manner.

Watch : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ManQsK3HXYs (Newswire)

The post Influencers Anu & Kanu take action against AI-generated video appeared first on Newswire.