What Changed
- The CAC targeted five major fake persona practices, including vulnerability deception, credential falsification, AI impersonation, extravagance promotion, and fabricated conflict.
- Enforcement measures include banning severe accounts, cracking down on MCN batch fabrication and cross-platform distribution, and strict compliance checks.
- Platforms must strictly enforce content labeling for AI and fictionalized media, prevent algorithmic pushing of non-compliant content, and protect vulnerable groups.
The Cyberspace Administration of China has launched a 'Qinglang' special campaign targeting fake personas in short videos. The action focuses on five key issues: pretending to be vulnerable groups, falsifying professional credentials, using AI to impersonate public figures, promoting extravagance or superstition, and fabricating dramatic conflict. To address these violations, regulators will strictly punish non-compliant accounts and multi-channel networks (MCNs), enforce standard content labeling for AI-generated or fictionalized material, restrict recommendation algorithms from pushing fake persona content, and enhance protection for targeted vulnerable groups such as the elderly and rural residents.
Who May Be Affected
Short video content creators, MCN agencies, digital media platforms, and internet users in mainland China.
Cross-Border Context
Applies to video platforms, creators, and MCNs distributing digital video content or engaging in e-commerce marketing within mainland China.
What to check next
- Subsequent enforcement guidelines and platform implementation rules issued by the Cyberspace Administration of China and major video hosting services.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.