The live-streaming market has grown immensely big over the past few years, namely in China, where it seems authorities are beginning to worry about the social power live-streaming influencers might have over those who watch them.
To get a hold on this, they introduced a new set of regulations preventing streamers from speaking about certain topics without the proper "qualifications", whatever those are.
China's National Radio and Television Administration published new mandates that require live-stream hosts to have "relevant qualifications" before discussing topics that require a "high level of professionalism."
They include healthcare, medicine, finance, law, and education.
Though it states "relevant qualifications" are needed, the mandate didn't specify what would be considered "relevant qualifications", nor how to obtain them.
"Live-streaming hosts shoulder important responsibilities and play an important role in disseminating scientific and cultural knowledge, enriching spiritual and cultural life, and promoting economic and social development," they wrote, going on to say these rules will promote a "positive, healthy, orderly, harmonious internet space."
Some were already in place, like promoting violence, gambling, or drug use.
Others are new, like demonstrations of food waste and over-eating, ruling out the popular genre of "mukbang" videos and streams, which feature one person eating an extreme amount of food.
In 2020 alone, China's live-streaming market was valued at $156 billion, with the industry creating celebrities out of streamers who have millions of followers.
This round of mandates is an attempt from the authorities to quell the business a bit and ensure these mega-popular streamers aren't talking about anything they're not qualified for.
h/t: Insider
