Livestreams, videos 'demystify' the law, raise public awareness

Misuse, disruption

Wang highlighted the critical need to uphold privacy and integrity, warning against sharing excessive details about individuals involved in cases for the sake of online fame. She stressed that livestreams and videos should not include content unrelated to the law, disrupt public order, or exacerbate conflicts.

In July, for example, a lawyer surnamed Zheng from Hunan province was fined 50,000 yuan ($7,010) by a local court. Zheng was penalized for distorting facts in a contract case handled by his firm, misleading public opinion, and extensively defaming the presiding judge in video posts, according to the Sichuan-based news outlet thecover.cn.

The court stated that Zheng's actions severely undermined justice and had a negative societal impact. He was also ordered to remove the videos and issue an apology, the report noted.

In April 2024, a Shanghai-based lawyer surnamed Dong faced a backlash from netizens after posting videos on social media where she discussed legal topics while dancing. Some argued her behavior was inconsistent with the professionalism expected of a lawyer, according to Dingduan News, a media outlet in Henan province.

Dong also responded to comments by stating that her income as a lawyer was less than what she earned from livestreaming and encouraged her peers to create "borderline" or "edgy" content, which immediately sparked public controversy.

Furthermore, some netizens criticized Dong's demeanor during livestreams, showing screenshots of her exaggerated expressions and laughter while addressing serious issues like juvenile rape.

In response, Dong apologized and removed the dancing videos, clarifying that her suggestion to her peers was meant as a joke.

Although Dong and Zheng faced consequences for their actions, the conduct and communication of legal professionals in livestreams and videos — particularly regarding what content is shared and how it is presented — remain a focal point of discussion within the legal community.

Need for regulation

For Wang, maintaining rigor and professionalism online is crucial for lawyers. Fabricating facts or relying on sensationalism and exaggerated performances to attract views should be avoided. "It's also important to steer clear of posting vulgar content, inciting cyberbullying, or compromising national security," she emphasized.

Yu Qi, a marriage lawyer at Tahota Law Firm, observed that many internet users are more interested in sensational and unusual details of disputes than in legal explanations. "Lawyers should not blindly cater to public tastes, nor should they use their online platforms to market other products or services," she cautioned.

"We must always remember our role as lawyers and uphold the integrity of the law."

She said that she is prudent when discussing cases she is handling, as lawyers have a duty to be accountable to their clients. "I will address common questions from online comments and offer legal interpretations, rather than paying attention to the specifics of any individual case," she added.

Li from Beijing Zhongwen Law Firm agreed. "Using popular methods and language to spread legal knowledge does not mean trivializing legal services," he said.

Maintaining confidentiality and protecting privacy are fundamental ethical responsibilities for lawyers. Treating livestreams as a "show" and dramatizing case details damage the profession's image and credibility, and also violate the Civil Code and professional conduct rules for lawyers, Li added.

"It is prohibited to predict outcomes or guarantee victories for cases that have not yet been concluded," he warned. "Information from cases that are not open to the public, as well as information and files from ongoing criminal cases, must not be disclosed online."

Li urged internet platforms to improve the verification of lawyers' identities when processing relevant registration applications, and conduct timely reviews of legal content in livestreams.

He also suggested online platforms, bar associations and internet regulatory bodies take disciplinary actions if they find a lawyer who streams content that is frequently flagged as "misleading" by peers or viewers.

"The ultimate goal of leveraging technologies is to optimize legal services and enable the public to learn and use the law, rather than create more legal risks," Wang said.

She called on judicial authorities to strengthen the management of lawyers and establish regulations on the dissemination of legal knowledge through new media.

"For example, the authorities need to specify how many years a lawyer must have practiced before they can participate in legal live-streams, and also prohibit selling products through legal accounts," she said.

caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn