Cyberspace regulator kicks off drive to tackle 'abusive tipping practices'

China's top cyberspace regulator has launched a two-month special campaign to tackle "abusive tipping practices" in online livestreams, according to a notice issued on Tuesday.

The action will focus on high-risk segments such as multi-host entertainment streams and private-domain livestreaming rooms, where tipping wrongdoings tend to cluster, the notice released by Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission said.

Platforms would be required to strengthen rules, close loopholes and improve safeguards to foster a healthier livestreaming ecosystem, it said.

The notice said enforcement would target four prominent violations: using vulgar group shows to induce tipping, fabricating personas to deceive viewers, luring minors to tip, and stimulating irrational spending by users.

For example, the campaign would target exposure of private body parts, sexually suggestive movements or sounds, and production techniques — such as camera angles, set design, and costumes — that create a lewd atmosphere.

Another focus is fake personas and plot-driven scams. Offending practices include posing as "impoverished households", or "elite returning from overseas study", impersonating soldiers, teachers, or doctors, scripting false stories about "tragic families" or "bullying", and using artificial intelligence-generated content to deceive viewers into tipping.

Authorities would also address tactics that induce minors to tip, according to the notice. Typical violations include operating under the guise of "dating" or "friendship", coaching minors to use their parents' IDs to evade platform checks, and streamers dressing up as — or claiming to be — minors to solicit rewards.

The notice says local cyberspace authorities will punish repeated offenders, including accounts, platforms, and influence-managing agencies that abet or tolerate illegal tipping, in accordance with the law.

Platforms are urged to refine tipping policies, strengthen age verification and spending controls, and protect users' rights to ensure the industry develops in a healthy and orderly manner.