No Degree? No Content.

5/11/2026

As of October 25, 2025, the Chines government has passed a new law requiring influencers to hold a degree in the topics they discuss in their content, according to the English edition of the Economic Times.

Now, if someone wants to talk about or give advice or tips about specialized subjects, they have to prove verifiable credentials such as professional qualifications, official certification, or degrees in those fields.

According to Forbes contributor, Tim Bajarin, when a fitness influencer with millions of followers recommends unproven supplements, or a finance guru without credentials advises followers on retirement strategies, the potential for harm is real and measurable.

The policy primarily targets areas considered high-risk to public safety, financial stability, or social order including:

Finance and investing
Health, medicine, nutrition, and mental health
Education and test preparation
Law and legal advice
News and political commentary
Real estate and housing advice
Insurance and taxes
Child psychology and parenting guidance
Science and technology claims
Cryptocurrency and trading
Automotive repair and mechanical instruction
Beauty, skincare, and cosmetic procedures
Fitness training and rehabilitation
Traditional medicine and herbal remedies
Business coaching and entrepreneurship advice

So, for example, in China, an influencer could get online and show their makeup routine, but if they were to give skincare advice or recommend their favorite treatment for skin conditions, they would have to could require credentials. In addition, showing off a car build as entertainment is acceptable, but explaining to someone how to install an engine or giving advice on technical repair or safety advice would land you in serious legal trouble.

The goal is to separate entertainment and personal opinion from content presented as expert guidance in order to protect the general public from harm. However, reports suggest that the new rule has sparked debate that it might harm creativity and limit freedom of speech.

Let's write! What are you thoughts on this ban? Should the United States do the same?

INSTRUCTIONS

1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block. You do not have to include an email address or a website.

2. Respond to the post. Read the entire post, including watching any videos or reading any articles attached. Do not post vague or ambiguous commentary. Your post should have depth, be thoughtful, and provide specific, meaningful insight. Make sure it addresses the topic and encourages reflection, discussion, or a connection.

3. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.

4. Language. Do NOT use profanity. Vague or repeated responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.

5. Disrespectful comments will not be accepted and will result in a zero whether you do the assignment or not.

REMINDERS

**Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.

**Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.

**How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school, your family or your upbringing with tasteless, meaningless comments. This is for a grade.

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you use profanity, you will not receive credit for the work. It's all or nothing.

WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.

Due Fri., May 15, 11:59 p.m. CST

Taylor, M. 7B

5/11/2026 11:17:56 am

I think this is a bad ban. Right now the internet is a place where you can find a solution to the majority of problems. This ban would change that in a negative way.

Tylen G 7B

5/11/2026 12:32:59 pm

I agree with this because the messing with the internet can cause a negative answer

millener, d. (A-B Days)

5/12/2026 01:41:42 pm

Boy, what?! Don't make me mad, bro.

Jaylon vine

5/16/2026 08:21:13 am

I agree the internet really be a fool can’t always believe what the net says all the time

Thorpe Zamyriah 7B

5/11/2026 12:34:57 pm

Honestly I believe the ban is bad. Instead of a government ban, the U.S. might address the issue through platform level solutions such as requiring disclaimers, verifying credentials for expert content, or limiting monetization for unqualified advice without restricting free speech.

maliyah keeton

5/11/2026 02:05:30 pm

I get what you’re saying. The internet is kind of like the main place people go to find answers now, so a rule like this could make it harder to access information. I think the concern is real though because not everything online is accurate, and people can get misled easily.

Washignton 1A

5/14/2026 10:36:17 am

I agree because it is a useful tool to use.

Vasquez L. 1A

5/11/2026 07:23:14 pm

I agree because the internet is helpful for finding answers and learning new things. This law could make it harder for people to share advice or information online.

Dominguez J.1A

5/14/2026 09:49:01 am

I agree with this because yes you can learn stuff from the internet and it is a useful piece of tool to use.

Alvarado A 2A

5/14/2026 10:51:03 am

I agree with this because some people are putting false information out there and people are believing them because there a influence

millener, d. (A-B Days)

5/12/2026 01:41:12 pm

You would say this. Some people are DYING because of these so-called "solutions." Would you go to a dentist to get your teeth pulled if he/she were not credentialed?

Watson S 1A

5/15/2026 09:04:31 pm

This is why i think the ban is lowkey a good thing, a good influencer would include in their video that they are not a licensed professional. SOME people would still choose to listen to what “celebrities” say anyway but, after the ban it just proves that they knew they werent licensed. They just chose to listen and follow anyway. 🤷🏽‍♀️

Dominguez J. 1A

5/14/2026 09:47:43 am

I agree with this because me personally and multiple people i know will watch TikTok or Instagram for assistance on how to fix something or replace it. Every time i watch the internet for assistance i always get my problems fixed and questions always answered

Cervantes Y 2A

5/14/2026 11:54:57 am

I agree because the internet is where they go and publish news

Carpenter Z2A

5/14/2026 08:15:44 pm

you make a strong point that touches on the utility of the internet. For many, the internet acts as a giant, crowdsourced troubleshooting manual.

Tylen G 7B

5/11/2026 12:31:46 pm

I feel like the Supreme Court is basically telling everyone, "We’re done with this," and closing the book on the Voting Rights Act for good.

Carpenter Z 2A

5/14/2026 08:17:57 pm

I'm against the ban. The internet is basically the world’s biggest troubleshooting manual. If you start requiring degrees for every tip and trick, you destroy the crowdsourced knowledge that makes the web actually useful.

Israel Hernandez 7B

5/11/2026 12:32:31 pm

I think the rule has good and bad sides. It can stop influencers from giving dangerous advice, but it might also limit people’s freedom to share their ideas. A rule like this probably wouldn’t work in the U.S. because free speech is very important here.

maliyah keeton

5/11/2026 02:06:02 pm

I agree with you that there are both good and bad sides to it. It could definitely help stop harmful advice, especially in health and finance. But you’re right that freedom of speech matters a lot in the U.S., so a strict rule like that probably wouldn’t fit here. Disclaimers and clearer labels sound like a more balanced solution.

Washington 1A

5/14/2026 10:37:03 am

I agree because most influencers just start without any degree

Chavez D. 7B

5/11/2026 02:07:08 pm

I agree with this take because it does in fact stop influencers from giving uneducated takes that can spread wildly fast throughout the internet. I also agree that this ban wouldn't work in the United States because it could very well be deemed as unconstitutional.

Alvarado A 2A

5/14/2026 10:57:27 am

I agree with this because a lot of influencers will get their info from other influencers or non-certified websites

Lira L 7B

5/11/2026 02:38:55 pm

I get what you are saying but this ban doesn't seem right to be it doesn't let people give there reason why they like the product or why they don't its like saying hey I like this lotion and without saying why its like ok I like it too not knowing if you could be allergic

Rubio I 1A

5/11/2026 07:57:17 pm

I agree with your statement because I do believe that a law like this would not be able to go in the U.S. because the U.S. is built off the freedom for speech and freedom in general. This rule would also of course stop the spread of misinformation as well of course which is a positive benefit.

millener, d. (A-B Days)

5/12/2026 01:38:58 pm

Yeah, but free speech can get people killed. And so what, you have to be credentialed. Would you want to go to the doctor that just guess what's wrong with you but is popular? So, I'd definitely want to limit people's ideas if those ideas were gonna kill me.

Taylor, M. 7B

5/13/2026 03:54:26 pm

You're right it has pros and cons, but overall I think it'd do more harm than good in our country.

Cervantes Y 2A

5/14/2026 11:55:53 am

I agree because it could work in other countries but in the U.S. would not work

Watson S 1A

5/15/2026 09:06:44 pm

I get what youre saying but i feel like if they mention that they aren’t licensed and its just something that works for them then its technically on the person that listens

Wideman ,C 7B

5/11/2026 01:57:22 pm

I think China’s influencer credential ban tries to reduce harmful misinformation, especially in areas like health and finance, but it gives the government too much control over who can speak. Because it risks limiting free expression, I don’t think the United States should adopt a similar rule; clearer disclaimers from influencers would be a better solution.

Chavez D. 7B

5/11/2026 02:04:17 pm

I think that this ban is good to a certain extent, because I feel like this ban could be overreaching. For example, will you need to be a mechanic to show how to simply replace a tire? Where will you draw the line when it comes to this law? But there is good to this, especially when it comes to topics that can be filled with misinformation like health and finance things of that nature.

Chavez D.

5/11/2026 02:08:58 pm

EDITED VERSION.

I think that this ban is good to a certain extent, but I feel like this ban could be overreaching. For example, will you need to be a mechanic to show how to simply replace a tire? Where will you draw the line when it comes to this law? But there is good to this, especially when it comes to topics that can be filled with misinformation like health and finance things of that nature.

Chavez D. 7B

5/11/2026 02:13:46 pm

EDITED VERSION TWO!!!

I think that this ban is good to a certain extent, but I feel like this ban could be overreaching. For example, will you need to be a mechanic to show how to simply replace a tire? Where will you draw the line when it comes to this law? But there is good to this, especially when it comes to topics that can be filled with misinformation like health and finance things of that nature. I think this law wouldnt work well in the United States nor will it pass because it will impede on our first amendment right most likely.

millener, d. (A-B Days)

5/12/2026 01:37:32 pm

Yeah, you should be a mechanic to show someone how to change a tire. If you're not strategically informative, a car could fall on you or a child or anyone if you don't know what you're doing. So, that's not far-fetched.

maliyah keeton

5/11/2026 02:06:41 pm

I think the ban is trying to solve a real problem, but it goes too far. People should be able to share their experiences online, even without a degree. At the same time, I do think influencers should be more responsible when they talk about serious topics like health or money. For the U.S., I don’t think a full law like this would work, but having clearer warnings or verified experts would be a better balance.

Chavez D. 7B

5/11/2026 02:15:26 pm

I agree with this takeaway a lot. I do think this law that China is trying to solve a problem with how misinformation is being distributed, but the government does have a lot more influence to censor someone's freedom of speech with this law. I also agree that this law wouldn't work in the US, but we can achieve a good balance as mentioned.

Alfaro K. 1A

5/13/2026 09:56:42 am

You make a good point about how the law is trying to reduce misinformation, but it could also give the government too much control over what people are allowed to say online. I also agree that it probably wouldn’t work in the U.S. because freedom of speech is such an important right here. I think finding a balance between stopping harmful misinformation and still allowing people to share their opinions is the best solution.

Garcia K 1A

5/12/2026 10:54:26 am

i agree that the ban addresses a real problem of protecting people from harmful advice on critical topics like health and finance.

Gonzalez,A 2A

5/13/2026 11:30:45 am

I agree that this ban willl help somewhat of people not getting hurt.

Aamory 7b

5/11/2026 02:09:41 pm

I believe China's ban isn't right. While it's meant to stop the spread of misinformation, I think it limits creativity and free expression. The U.S should not follow along with this ban because it would go against our first amendment. So instead of banning unqualified advice, the U.S. should just rely on disclaimers or stronger rules to protect people while still letting everyone share their opinions and beliefs.

Alfaro K. 1A

5/13/2026 09:58:15 am

I agree because the ban could limit freedom of speech and creativity. Using disclaimers and stricter rules would be a better way to fight misinformation without fully censoring people.

Taylor, M. 7B

5/13/2026 03:56:19 pm

I agree with almost everything you said. The only thing is, China's ban doesn't seem right to us. Freedom of speech, expression, etc. isn't always a thing in other countries.

Lira L 7B

5/11/2026 02:36:08 pm

No the United states shouldn't do the same this ban just make it seem like its ok to show off anything and say its good but without the why or why do you think so.

millener, d. (A-B Days)

5/12/2026 01:35:38 pm

Hunh? What are you talking about? That's the purpose of the ban: to make sure that people are NOT spreading misinformation.

Vasquez L. 1A

5/11/2026 07:19:49 pm

I think this law is a good idea because people online can easily spread wrong information and influence others. At the same time, it could be too strict since not everyone with useful knowledge has a degree. I don't think the U.S should fully do this but social media like insta and tiktok should be monitored more.

Rubio I 1A

5/11/2026 07:53:30 pm

I agree with your statement, I agree with your statement because yes I do think that not everyone with useful and helpful knowledge has a degree, and that it would limit a lot of people that still know what they are actually talking about. And also why you think the law is good because of misinformation.I also agree Tiktok and Instagram should be monitored more as well.

Martinez J 7B

5/12/2026 12:42:01 pm

I agree with your opinion about the good parts of this ban

millener, d. (All Classes)

5/12/2026 01:34:45 pm

I thought I was the only person who felt like this. Me too! I think so much wrong information is passed around that people don't know what to believe or who to trust.

Gonzalez,A 2A

5/13/2026 10:58:22 am

I totally agree with your opinion,I agree with instagram and tiktok being monitored because alot of the misinformation is said on there.

Garcia K 1A

5/14/2026 11:39:04 pm

I agree those websites could be dangerous and should definitely be monitored more.

Valdez K 2A

5/15/2026 08:18:37 pm

I agree with you. This ban is definitely a good idea in terms of minimizing the misinformation that circles online. In my opinion, though, if the US implements a law like this I hope they don't make restrictions on teens or people who are just making videos for fun because not everyone posts with the intention of influencing or going viral. Sometimes social media is just for fun.

Rubio I 1A

5/11/2026 07:21:41 pm

Personally I think this ban is bad because I feel like itll make people way more scared to just speak up and speak their mind and ideas. I don't think the U.S. should do this at all because one, I know that society would not enjoy it at all and would be very outraged, and also like I said I don't think it would benefit the U.S. any more than it would actually end up effecting.

Vasquez L. 1A

5/11/2026 07:26:08 pm

I agree because this law could make people nervous to share their thoughts online. I also don't think the U.S should do this because a lot of people would see it as limiting freedom of speech.

Garcia K 1A

5/12/2026 10:50:20 am

China now requires influencers to have official qualifications to give advice on topics like finance or health, aiming to prevent harmful misinformation. While this could protect people, some worry it might limit creativity and free speech. The U.S. could benefit from similar rules to ensure trustworthy advice, but faces challenges, potentially needing a more targeted approach.

Gonzalez A 2A

5/12/2026 11:31:00 am

I agree with you because It explains the rule clearly and shows both sides — how it could protect people but also how it might limit creativity and free speech.

Martinez J 7B

5/12/2026 12:41:00 pm

I agree with your opinion

Gracie Ramos

5/13/2026 01:57:49 pm

I agree that in the U.S. to freely speak your opinion is something that the U.S. wants to protect, and it could cause problems.

Anjel Williams 3A

5/12/2026 11:17:46 am

Honestly I agree with the ban is bad. Instead of a authorities ban, the U.S. may tackle the problem thru platform stage options such as requiring disclaimers, verifying credentials for specialist content, or limiting monetization for unqualified recommendation besides proscribing free speech.

Gonzalez A 2A

5/12/2026 11:31:31 am

I agree with you because a full ban feels too strict, and your idea about using platform‑level tools instead of government control makes more sense and still protects free speech.

Alexa Gonzalez 2A

5/12/2026 11:29:25 am

I think China’s rule about influencers needing degrees makes sense in some ways, because a lot of people online give advice that can actually hurt others. But I don’t think the U.S. should do the same. It feels too strict and would limit people who share helpful experiences even if they aren’t “experts.” Instead, we should just teach people to fact‑check and not believe everything they see online.

Gracie Ramos

5/13/2026 01:56:18 pm

I agree with your statement that it could limit people from learning from other peoples experience and or advice that could be helpful.

Armani Cordova 7B

5/14/2026 09:38:48 am

I agree with this statement, they could potentially harm people but completely stopping them from expressing there opinion of "putting people onto" things can stop many of these social media platforms.

Martinez J 7B

5/12/2026 12:36:27 pm

I think it depends on what type of influencer it is, if they are educational then it's great because it forces those to teach to learn how to make others better understand it.

Garcia M (A3)

5/12/2026 01:40:07 pm

China now mandates that influencers hold official credentials to offer advice on subjects like finance or health, seeking to curb harmful misinformation. Although this may safeguard individuals, there are concerns it could stifle creativity and free expression. The U. S. might gain from comparable regulations to guarantee reliable guidance, but it encounters obstacles and may require a more focused strategy.

Alfaro K. 1A

5/13/2026 09:54:41 am

I understand why China made the rule that influencers need degrees, since some people online spread harmful or false advice. Still, I don’t think the U.S. should copy that rule because it’s too limiting and could stop regular people from sharing useful knowledge and personal experiences. Instead of banning people, we should focus more on teaching others how to check facts and think carefully about what they see online.

Armani Cordova 7B

5/14/2026 09:41:01 am

I agree with this statement, the US has a major platform on the internet.What we have going on over here many people know especially if an influencer like Kim says use this skincare but she doesn't have a degree it can really effect her career because most of her career is based on people copying her.

nevaeh sims

5/14/2026 10:22:14 am

I agree with you

Gracie Ramos

5/13/2026 10:04:02 am

I do think it's important that people on social media are not spreading misinformation, because reckless behavior can cause serious harm. If the U.S. were to enforce a law like this, it would greatly benefit people as a whole.

Ruiz K 1A

5/14/2026 09:54:23 am

I agree that the U.S runs with the help of the Internet. If the U.S did enforce that law our people would be more thinking before the post or text people. Not just agreeing with nonsense.

Luna W 1A

5/15/2026 11:37:44 pm

Yes I agree, people can think before posting something.

Fraire Y 1A

5/14/2026 10:35:48 am

I agree with you i think that them having this will benifit many people so that they dont cause behaviors that should no be happening

Gonzalez,A 2A

5/13/2026 10:48:07 am

I think this ban is a good idea but I also think the U.S shouldnt do it,because there is alot of misinformation but I feel like thats why we shouldn't believe everything we see online.

Ruiz K1A

5/14/2026 09:52:11 am

I agree that the U.S should not follow up cause they way we runs things over here will change drastically.

Armani Cordova 7B

5/14/2026 09:37:02 am

I agree with the ban to a certain extent because say if you were to give advice about how to support yourself financially or how to get your credit score up. If people on the internet believe everything they see that can follow these steps and if they mess up or do something wrong you could be possibly leaving someone in legal trouble. I think the US should do the same but on certain things like laws, or dermatology, or even financial related things due to there being people out there not knowing what they are doing and could be potentially scamming you.But hey shouldn't do things like requiring a degree to discuss politics because social media platform is the main source some people use to choose who they are interested in so they should have an opinion on who they want political wise.

Fraire Y 1A

5/14/2026 10:34:32 am

Yes i agree with you they should do it but f they can limit the people that do it like if they could dand about laws or afecting peoples lifes in a deeper meaning that they should go through with it because it might ruin ther life is they do it and they dont know anything.

Broadnax S 6B

5/15/2026 09:28:24 pm

I can see where you are coming from about this. I don’t think every thing needs a degree to talk about or give information about a topic especially if it is something small. I do believe though for certain stuff medical, financial, etc you need to have some kind of proof that you know what your talking about and the information you are giving.

Dominguez J. 1A

5/14/2026 09:45:31 am

No, United States should not make this a ban and the reason for it is because everyday you learn something new from somebody . Everybody has an opinion or a preference or recommendation on how to do something because they have experience.

Luna W 1A

5/15/2026 11:39:40 pm

I agree, everyone has different opinions and they should not be banned for promoting their own beliefs

Ruiz K 1A

5/14/2026 09:50:57 am

This Banned Is terrible because, they way we runs things over here is much different than china. We would destroy our economy and riots everyday for the things this banned would affect us.

Joaquin J 2A

5/14/2026 10:54:08 am

I agree because we are so hooked on social media to the point where there has been riots just about tiktok being banned only for a little just for it to be unbanned.

Valdez K 2A

5/15/2026 04:48:35 pm

I can agree with the idea that there would be people who would be upset enough with the ban that they'd riot or protest, but I'd say that that's just ignorance on their part for not understanding that some people go online way too gullible and fall for anything (that's not to say that there isn't any real good advice on TikTok), so a ban like this is actually beneficial for people.

nevaeh sims

5/14/2026 10:21:46 am

i agree with it but at the same time I don't. like people can spread the wrong information and they have no background of it or studied for it to know if its right or wrong, but then I feel like its too strict because it wont give people to share things without having a degree for it. people just need to back check it to see if its right or wrong.

Fraire Y 1A

5/14/2026 10:31:50 am

I think that this ban is good because it is not letting people that sre not educaded about somthing sred information they dont know if its right so they are protecting there viewers of information that is no true

Washington

5/14/2026 10:40:39 am

I agree with it because the spreed of influencers is spreading fast to control and with a degree you can learn how to do it better and study better and have something to fall back own too

Joaquin J 2A

5/14/2026 10:51:51 am

I think this should not be a law because i believe people have a right to speak their mind even tho what they say comes with consequences.

Carpenter Z 2A

5/14/2026 10:58:39 am

While a total ban might be extreme, we need more accountability. When influencers give medical or financial advice to millions, they aren't just vlogging they are practicing a profession without a license.

Alvarado A 2A

5/14/2026 11:01:32 am

I agree with this because people with always believe influences and its way to easy now to give out false information, alot of influencers get there info from others for false website but believe it because its convincing

Cervantes Y 2A

5/14/2026 11:57:27 am

I think the ban would be good to try and make people smarter and make the internet smart not just no random videos and in the U.S. it would not work

Calito V. 5B

5/15/2026 11:22:14 am

I understand why the have the ban in China but in the U.S. it wouldn't really work. Because in the U.S. people will protest and complain, compared to China.

Valdez K 2A

5/15/2026 04:39:22 pm

I think this ban is a good thing. The ban doesn't stop people from posting on social media and showing their routines or interests, it simply prevents the amount of misinformation that goes around. On one hand, I understand that places like TikTok have a lot of "helpful" tips and solutions for questions we have or knowledge on topics we aren't educated in, but not everyone posting on there is being completely transparent. It's fine for people to post online and give their two cents on what worked for them (skincare, financial advice, nutrition) but a lot of the people online are paid sponsors so they could be deceiving people.

Broadnax S 6B

5/15/2026 09:20:09 pm

I see your point exactly this ban is not necessary a bad thing it is just preventing the spread of misinformation and getting an information that is factual.

Broadnax S 6B

5/15/2026 09:17:48 pm

I think the ban is a good thing and could even be beneficial. A lot of the time “influencers” will speak on a topic or spread misinformation we as of course viewers take it and run with it because the information we heard is coming from someone “popular”. Leading to a huge spread of misinformation. The ban will prevent all of that from happening which I think the U. S. Should do this ban as well.

Watson S 1A

5/15/2026 09:25:17 pm

I honestly dont think this ban is as bad as everyone is saying because it could help limit the dumb stuff people get into and how much wrong information in being spread in the world. I think influencers should just stop saying that they “recommend” something and start saying that they arent a licensed professional, but this it what works for them.

Luna W 1A

5/15/2026 11:36:48 pm

In my opinion I don’t know if the ban is a good thing. There’s many ways on why it’s good or bad. I think they should imply it to the U.S but it may not be successful.

Comments are closed.

Mixed Ink

Mixed Ink is our class blog, the window into our souls. It was designed to improve students' writing, critical thinking and communication skills by giving them a platform to provide meaningful content based on their interpretation of what they see.

Although the students receive a grade based on a rubric for completing this assignment, they are not graded on complexity of thought. This is a place where students of all levels can freely, confidently and creatively express themselves and their opinions in a nonjudgmental platform. They are required to respond to and critique each other, but degradation, slander, lewdness, etc., will not be tolerated.

Bridge Builders

All subjects are vital to learning, but English is the bridge of communication. So let's build the arch, one word at a time...

Grading Rubric

Learning Objectives

Communicate effectively
Be aware of current events
Write concisely
Boost critical thinking skills
Be accountable
Follow directions
Have a voice about what goes on in the world around you