02/11/2025
My Thoughts on China’s New Ruling for “Professional Content” Influencers
I’ve been reflecting on this issue for a while, and this recent announcement from the Chinese government came at the right time. Perhaps it’s a stand that should be considered by our government as well.
In recent months, I’ve noticed an increasing trend of non-qualified influencers giving blatant medical advice on social media. Many of these posts are misleading — and some are downright dangerous. The situation becomes even more concerning when it involves pregnancy and child health, where misinformation can have serious consequences.
Just recently, one influencer claimed that the purpose of a detailed scan was mainly for gender identification, and even promoted getting it done at an unlicensed centre. For everyone’s information, a detailed scan (anomaly scan) is a critical examination recommended to be performed by a fetomaternal specialist, primarily to detect fetal anomalies — not for gender determination. Conducting such scans at unlicensed centres is not only illegal but also puts both mother and baby at significant risk if misdiagnosed.
Influencers who do not hold medical qualifications should refrain from offering medical-grade advice. But beyond that, the greater responsibility also lies with followers — to question the source of the information they consume.
Why seek medical advice from an unqualified individual, or someone who has merely attended a few weeks of a course, when you can get accurate, evidence-based guidance from a registered medical doctor?
Social media can be a powerful tool for education — but when it comes to health, credibility and qualification must come first.
https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/china-influencers-new-law-requires-degrees-to-speak-on-finance-health-law/amp/
