This week, China issued a long list of new guidelines for online live broadcasters and so-called influencers, according to a new report from the South China Morning Post and rules posted online. The new rules prohibit influencers from talking about topics like law, medicine and economics unless these internet personalities have some kind of qualification. What “qualifications” are considered acceptable? This part is not specified, as the Post points out.
See also: China Sky Eye: Spotted signs related to aliens?
The draconian new rules, 31 in total, include the need for “correct tone in political orientation” and “actively embodying core socialist values,” according to Chinese state media Xinhua. And while streamers are prohibited from criticizing Chinese-style communism, streamers are also prohibited from criticizing free-market reforms that have led China’s economy away from communist orthodoxy in recent decades.
Using deepfakes or showing off an “outrageous lifestyle” will get you in trouble with China’s internet police , who monitor the internet for anything inappropriate. How do the new rules define an extravagant lifestyle? With luxury goods and excessive amounts of cash. Livestreamers are also prohibited from “ denigrating low-income groups to show off their wealth . ”
See also: China recalls textbooks – they contained “racist/pornographic” illustrations
The new guidelines also prohibit “excessive food waste,” something the Chinese government has really tried to combat in recent years. With 1.4 billion people and a generous, hospitable food culture in China, food waste can become a real problem.
See also: China's Shenzhou-14 mission arrives at Tiangong space station
Two government bodies jointly issued the new rules, according to Xinhua, including China's National Radio and Television Administration and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. The rules apply not only to "performers providing online broadcasting, video and audio via the Internet," but also to any AI-powered news outlet, the report said.
Information source: gizmodo.com
