China penalizes online influencers for violations

China's top cyberspace regulator on Wednesday disclosed a list of online influencers who were recently penalized for various violations, including posting content that "stirs group confrontation," promoting harmful values and committing tax-related offenses.

The Cyberspace Administration of China said in a news release that authorities have instructed major online platforms to take action against accounts involved in illegal or irregular activities.

According to the release, several influencers with millions — in some cases tens of millions — of followers had their Weibo and Douyin accounts closed or placed under long-term suspension for repeatedly promoting materialism, flaunting wealth and other undesirable values.

In other cases, an internet celebrity was punished for promoting overseas pornographic films on Weibo, while prominent livestreamer Zhang Xuefeng — known for offering advice on college selection — was placed under a time-limited ban for "using vulgar language extensively" during broadcasts.

The release also noted that following tax authorities' findings on tax evasion cases involving online streamers, two influencer accounts on Douyin and Kuaishou had their livestreaming and e-commerce functions suspended.

The CAC stressed that influencer accounts possess significant public influence and visibility, and their operators "must exercise greater self-discipline in regulating their online conduct."